Exploitative: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

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• 22189 fearsome
• 22190 actualization
• 22191 extorted
• 22192 exploitative
• 22193 sentinels
• 22194 disparaging
• 22195 unreality
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