The Patriarchal Bargain: A Brief Overview

Outsourcing, the practice of transferring business processes to third-party providers, has become increasingly popular in recent years. While it can provide cost savings and access to specialized skills, outsourcing also raises important questions about power dynamics and gender inequality.

The patriarchal bargain is a term coined by feminist philosopher Carol Gilligan to describe the ways in which women are socialized to prioritize relationships and nurturing over their own needs and interests. This bargain, which is deeply ingrained in our cultural norms and institutions, places men at the center of power and decision-making while relegating women to secondary roles.

How Does Outsourcing Fit into this Pattern?

Outsourcing can be seen as a continuation of the patriarchal bargain in several ways. First, it often involves transferring responsibility for certain business processes to third-party providers, who may not have the same level of control or decision-making power as the company’s own employees. This can create a hierarchical structure where some individuals or groups are seen as more powerful and capable than others.

Second, outsourcing often involves offshoring work to countries with lower labor costs, which can perpetuate gender inequalities in those countries. In many places, women are still not given the same opportunities for education and career advancement as men, and they may be paid less or face discrimination in the workplace.

Finally, outsourcing can create a situation where companies are more focused on short-term cost savings than on long-term sustainability or ethical considerations. When companies outsource work to third-party providers, they may be less likely to invest in the development of their own employees or to consider the environmental and social impact of their business practices.

Real-Life Examples of Outsourcing as a Patriarchal Bargain

To illustrate how outsourcing can be considered a patriarchal bargain, let’s look at some real-life examples.

Example 1: Multinational Corporations and Low Labor Cost Countries

One example is the case of multinational corporations that outsource work to countries with low labor costs in Asia and Africa. While this may provide cost savings for the companies, it can also contribute to gender inequality and exploitation in those countries.

Example 2: Outsourcing IT Services

Another example is the case of outsourcing IT services to India or other countries with a large pool of skilled workers. While this can provide cost savings for companies, it can also reinforce existing power imbalances in the tech industry.

The Importance of Ethical Considerations in Outsourcing

While outsourcing can provide cost savings and access to specialized skills, it is important for companies to consider the ethical implications of their business practices. In order to avoid perpetuating gender inequality or contributing to environmental degradation, companies must be willing to invest in sustainable practices and promote social justice.

Conclusion: Why Outsourcing is a Patriarchal Bargain

In conclusion, outsourcing can be considered a patriarchal bargain in several ways. It often involves transferring responsibility for certain business processes to third-party providers, perpetuating hierarchical structures and reinforcing gender inequalities. However, by prioritizing ethical considerations and promoting transparency and accountability, companies can mitigate these negative effects and create more sustainable and equitable business practices.