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Exploitative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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exploitative

[ɪkˈsplɔɪtətɪv ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

social justice

Exploitative refers to situations or practices that take unfair advantage of individuals or groups, often for personal or financial gain. This term is frequently used to describe labor practices that underpay workers while making excessive profits. In a broader context, exploitative actions can apply to relationships or systems that dominate and oppress weaker parties. Understanding the nature of exploitative actions is crucial in combatting inequality and promoting fairness.

Synonyms

abusive, oppressive, unjust.

Examples of usage

  • The exploitative nature of the labor market leads to widespread poverty.
  • Many complain about the exploitative practices of the company.
  • They criticized the exploitative policies that harmed the environment.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Social Issues

  • Exploitative practices are prevalent in industries where workers have limited rights, often leading to discussions about labor laws.
  • In the context of companies and consumers, exploitative pricing can occur when essential goods are sold at inflated prices because of a crisis.
  • The concept often appears in discussions about power dynamics in relationships, where one party might manipulate the other for gain.

Psychology

  • Studies show that individuals with exploitative traits may lack empathy, affecting their relationships.
  • Exploitation can lead to psychological harm for the exploited, causing long-term impacts on their self-esteem.
  • Understanding exploitative behaviors can help in therapy and conflict resolution, addressing underlying issues.

Business and Economics

  • In a capitalist environment, companies may engage in exploitative labor practices to maximize profits, creating ethical dilemmas.
  • The gig economy has sparked debates on exploitative working conditions, especially for freelancers without benefits.
  • Emerging markets often face exploitation in trade, leading to advocacy for fair trade practices.

Media Representation

  • Movies and documentaries often highlight exploitative relationships, showcasing personal stories that reveal the darker sides of human interactions.
  • Social media plays a role in both exposing and perpetuating exploitative behaviors, changing the landscape of accountability.
  • Books exploring themes of exploitation often critique societal norms and offer commentary on power structures.

Origin of 'exploitative'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin 'exploitatio', which means 'to make use of'.
  • The term gained traction in the 19th century during discussions about labor practices and capitalism.
  • Modern usage often ties it to discussions about social justice and economic inequality.

The term 'exploitative' originates from the verb 'exploit,' which comes from the Latin 'exploitatio,' meaning 'to get a profit from.' The prefix 'ex-' means 'out of' or 'from' and 'pli' from 'plicare' means 'to fold.' Over time, 'exploit' evolved to describe the act of utilizing something to one's advantage, particularly in an unethical manner. The adjective form, 'exploitative,' emerged to emphasize the nature of the actions taken within this context. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as social consciousness around labor rights and social justice grew, the usage of 'exploitative' became more pronounced, often associated with critiques of capitalism and socioeconomic inequities. Today, it is commonly used in discussions related to human rights, labor exploitation, and corporate ethics.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,192, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.