Labor subordination is enforced by lack of alternatives, not contracts

Evidence

Finally, the market in labor will not operate when workers have attractive alternatives to wage employ­ ment. The fact that workers do not own the tools and equipment they use and the fact that there is an absence of alternative sources of livelihood in­ sure that most individuals must offer their services through the labor market. — Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis, Schooling in Capitalist America, 604

Categorization

• recurring: this claim recurs 2 times within its source
• XREF: connects to: Waged labour obedience rests on workers having no exit option; Defensive workers’ institutions can be co-opted to enforce subordination. — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 905; High interest rates deliberately broke workers’ power to enforce subordination — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 154 (+1 more)

Broader Connections

• Waged labour obedience rests on workers having no exit option #corroborates (0.95)
• Defensive workers’ institutions can be co-opted to enforce subordination. #complicates (0.80) — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 905
• High interest rates deliberately broke workers’ power to enforce subordination #qualifies (0.70) — Clara E. Mattei, Escape from Capitalism, 154