The value of indigenous perspectives in the re-valuing of work and labour

ABSTRACT

Debate concerning the value of work and labour has evolved across various dimensions and extended beyond economic considerations. Recent crises, especially in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic, have prompted what appeared to be an accelerated re-evaluation of the value of labour, incorporating a broader inclusive review. This article argues for a more substantive re-configuration that challenges the conventional economic framing of labour as a commodity. Borrowing from Ozkazanc-Pan and Pullen’s framing of value, it evaluates the worth, status and utility of essential, women’s and academic labour, emphasising the unequal impacts of the global crisis on each. It also explores indigenous perspectives that advocate for a more holistic understanding, integrating the worth, utility and status of labour. The article concludes with a call for a fundamental reassessment of the value of labour through an indigenous lens that transcends traditional economic views; one that envisions a broader conceptualisation of the value of work and labour to encompass well-being and historical considerations.

KEYWORDS:

• Value
• work
• labour
• indigenous
• essential
• women
• academic

Acknowledgments

The author is grateful to Jane Parker and Stephen Cummings for their generous feedback in draft revisions.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Noelle Donnelly

Noelle Donnelly is an Associate Professor of Employment Relations and Human Resource Management in the School of Management at Victoria University of Wellington, Te Herenga Waka and President of AIRAANZ (2022-2023). Noelle’s research focuses on gender equity, flexible work and employee voice in employment.