Podcast: Is modern slavery taking place in the Global North?
Modern slavery is often associated with distant supply chains and production sites far from Europe. But what happens when exploitative labor practices occur closer to home?
A contested concept — and a growing concern
The term modern slavery is widely used in policy and business contexts, including in the UK Modern Slavery Act. In academic research, related concepts include forced labor and labor market exploitation. Drawing on the International Labour Organization (ILO), Lerpold describes it as work performed under threat of penalty and without genuine voluntary consent — often appearing in degrees rather than as a fixed condition.
Migration status and structural vulnerability
The discussion highlights how migration regimes interact with labor markets. In Sweden and elsewhere in Europe, temporary or employer-tied work permits can create dependency relationships that limit workers’ ability to assert their rights. Sectors such as construction and agriculture are identified as areas where subcontracting chains and limited oversight may increase risks.
CMIR's research perspective
The themes raised in the episode closely align with CMIR's research agenda. The center examines how migration policy, labor market structures, and corporate practices intersect in high-income welfare states. Rather than viewing labor exploitation as an isolated corporate failure, CMIR research highlights how institutional frameworks, business models, and migration regimes can jointly produce conditions of vulnerability.
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