Pudor et Silentium: Shame as a barrier to migrant resistance in the context of work exploitation in the caporalato system

Abstract

This study examines how shame operates within the caporalato system in southern Italy, influencing the exploitation of migrant labor and stifling resistance. Drawing on the narratives of migrant workers from West Africa and other regions, the research explores how shame functions not only as a consequence of oppression, but also as a mechanism that reinforces conformity and sustains systemic control. Through narrative analysis, the study reveals that shame can result from unmet family expectations, fear of social judgment, and structural inequalities. This fosters isolation and discourages solidarity. Gender-specific vulnerabilities further intensify emotional submissiveness, particularly among women who are economically marginalized and stigmatized. Findings reveal that shame perpetuates subjugation and hinders the capacity for resistance, thus reinforcing systemic exploitation. Understanding and addressing these emotional dynamics is essential to dismantling oppressive labor structures.