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Mobility Power, State and the ‘Sponsored Labour Regime’ in Saudi Capitalism

Author

Listed:
  • Anita Hammer

    (University of Essex, UK)

  • Ayman Adham

    (Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia)

Abstract

This article draws on the ‘double indeterminacy of labour power’, a key conceptual development in labour process theory, to examine mobility power in Saudi Arabia. State control over the mobility of migrant workers is crucial to the labour process and the wider political-economy of Saudi Arabia. However, little is known about mobility–effort bargaining and the specific forms of mobility power in the Saudi context. This article argues that not only is mobility–effort bargaining at the core of capital–labour relations in Saudi Arabia, but that mobility and effort are variably controlled by different sponsors/agents of control. Importantly, the control exercised by the state, capital and other sponsors over migrants’ mobility is not absolute. Developing mobility power further, the article details the multiplicity of mobilities and labour contracts to delineate a ‘sponsored labour regime’, and highlights the underexplored role of the state, and other agents of control, in conceptualising mobility–effort bargaining.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Hammer & Ayman Adham, 2023. "Mobility Power, State and the ‘Sponsored Labour Regime’ in Saudi Capitalism," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(6), pages 1497-1516, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:37:y:2023:i:6:p:1497-1516
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170221080373
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chris Smith, 2006. "The double indeterminacy of labour power," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(2), pages 389-402, June.
    2. Abdulmonem Alzalabani, 2017. "Antecedents of Job Satisfaction in Saudi Arabia: Impact of Industrial Sector," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 12(11), pages 1-61, October.
    3. Buhr, Daniel & Frankenberger, Rolf, 2014. "Emerging varieties of incorporated capitalism. Theoretical considerations and empirical evidence," Business and Politics, Cambridge University Press, vol. 16(3), pages 393-427, October.
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