The Dual Dependency of Natural-Resource-Rich Labor Markets in Contemporary Society

Bibliographic Data

ID2363979
AuthorsJ Tom Mueller (0000-0001-6223-4505, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA, corresponding author)
Year2021
Volume39
Issue2
Pages81-102
Publication date2021-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Theory (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0735-2751 • E-ISSN: 1467-9558
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/07352751211001920
OpenAlexW3152807253
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited76

This article presents an integrative theoretical framework of subnational natural resource dependence. I argue that rural natural resource dependence represents a special case of the core-periphery relationship, where rural, resource-rich labor markets form a dual dependency on both the global capitalist economy and the local natural environment. This occurs because the contradiction between spatially fixed natural resources and the mobility of capital prompts both external interests and local power elites to use their power to pressure rural labor markets in directions outside their best interest and to exploit rural labor. I argue that both extractive (e.g., mining, timber, agriculture) and nonextractive (e.g., tourism, real estate) forms of natural resource development share this contradiction. Although pushing different uses of the resource base, extractive and nonextractive development do not fundamentally vary in their exploitative relationship with rural labor markets

Contradiction · Economic system · Economics · Estate · Exploit · Geography · Market economy · Natural resource · Political science · Tourism · Law · Mining and Resource Management · Natural Resources and Economic Development · Political Economy and Marxism

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