Flexible work as a rule in capitalism: conceptualization and theoretical-analytical propositions

Abstract

This essay aims to explore flexible work in the context of flexible capitalism to propose a theoretical-analytical model of the different classifications of this phenomenon. From a critical literature review, we present fundamental problems - understanding the multiple manifestations of flexibility and how they affect workers and their productive practices. The proposed model comprises three interdependent analytical levels: contractual flexibility, functional flexibility, and workplace flexibility and flexitime. Each level has two subcategories that classify and analyze a work activity in terms of working arrangements, remuneration, tasks, autonomy, where work is accomplished, and work scheduling. Throughout this theoretical essay, we present an alternative definition to the concept of flexible work and argue that flexibilization is a phenomenon incompatible with the enhancement of the labor process in favor of workers and represents another movement of conflict between capital and labor. Therefore, flexibilization is configured in a mechanism of exploitation of workers and expansion of the labor force’s productivity in search of greater private accumulation of capital.

Keywords:
Flexible work; Flexible capitalism; Exploitation of labor