Worksheet 5-1

.docx

School

Georgia Institute Of Technology *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

2050

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Apr 3, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by MinisterLobster4237

Name: Iris Smith Worksheet #5 Human Rights Instructions: To answer the following questions, please draw upon your readings and watch the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch? time_continue=1&v=oGnOBuhgu18&feature=emb_logo 1) How does the case of migrant workers in Abu Dhabi illustrate the limitations of the conventional development perspective discussed in class (e.g., utilitarian assumptions, elite-led processes)? A basic critique of the “elite architects” approach to development is represented in this case. Wealthy leaders of NYU, the Louvre, and Guggenheim are so far out of touch with the poor migrant workers building their projects that their statements of “labor values” seem like hollow promises. Inability to understand the actual conditions faced by the workers means that any attempt to remedy through a list of “values” becomes incredibly futile. The utilitarian assumption allows these workers to be trampled by larger corporations that likely claim the “good of the majority”. 2) Drawing upon the International Bill of Human Rights, describe some of the specific violations of migrant workers’ human rights in the Abu Dhabi case. The most pertinent three violations are of Article 23, 24, and 25, which pertain to free choice of employment, reasonable working hours, and standard of living adequate for health and well-being. Several workers in both the article and video mentioned being unable to switch employers when they realized that they would be receiving less pay than initially promised for their migrant work. This directly violates the idea of free choice of employment. Additionally, since the companies were providing lodging that was over-crowded and unsafe, there is also a violation of the “just and favorable conditions of work”. However, the abuse does not end at the job itself or the living conditions. The long working hours violate the right to leisure as outlined in the declaration. The migrant workers had to work far too long for far too little, meaning that there was no basis for standard of living being met either. The men could not support their families, could not take care of their own well-being, and could not be protected the right to security of life in the event of their unemployment. 3) In this case, what steps do you think should be taken (and by whom) to ensure that economic development proceeds alongside respect for workers’ rights?

To ensure that economic development proceeds alongside respect for workers’ rights, it is necessary that the demand for better conditions not only comes from the wealthy elites funding the work, but also as policies of the corporations themselves and the governments of the nations in which the work is done. Protection for workers must come first as an international standard before economic development can be called productive. Incentives from government subsidization for better treatment of workers would also help corporation have a reason to do better. Education of the population on what they are entitled to would also encourage workers to demand better working rights through avenues like unions. Essentially, people have to understand what they have a right to, and once those rights are respected, economic development will follow.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help