Contemporary slavery in the brazilian textile industry: analysis of work precariousness in sewing workshops

Abstract

This paper addresses slavery-like labor in Brazil and the contemporary mechanisms that perpetuate this criminal practice, even more than a century after the formal abolition of slavery. The overall objective is to analyze how historical, economic, legal, and social factors contribute to the maintenance of this form of exploitation, especially in the textile sector, and to discuss the legal and institutional instruments available to address it (spectrums of accountability). The deductive methodology adopted includes a literature review, analysis of regulations and statistical data, and case studies involving major brands and outsourced production chains. It was found that the precariousness of labor relations, unrestricted outsourcing, and the fragmentation of production chains are determining factors in the emergence of degrading working conditions.