Exploitation

Andrew Reeve

Exploitation refers to using a resource, situation, or person for a purpose. In a technical, neutral sense, this might mean no more than making use of a resource for benefit, for example, when the existence of underground sources of energy is exploited by drilling and extraction. In social theory, however, the term implies a normatively negative evaluation of the use being made, although identifying the norm being violated is not straightforward. For example, some have argued that such exploitation is a violation of justice, but this may be identified with a rights violation, a lack of reciprocity, or a failure of equality. Others, again, have concentrated on an infringement of liberty, perhaps construed as the consequence of coercion, or the lack of opportunity for self-development, or autonomy. The relationship between the neutral and the condemnatory applications of exploitation is complicated by two considerations. First, in the history of social thought, ...

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