Babysitter Quote by Thomas Pogge
“Though people could, in principle, cross national borders to reach places where their work is more highly rewarded, they are in fact prevented from doing so. As a result, huge differences also persist in the price of labor, as you can see when you get a haircut in rural India or hire a driver or babysitter in Bolivia. You can easily buy such services at one-fiftieth the price you would pay in London, Hamburg or Manhattan.”
About This Quote
Source Book: World Poverty and Human Rights, Thomas Pogge, 2002
Labor markets are segmented by borders, causing massive wage gaps despite equal ability to move.
In simple terms: Borders create huge wage differences.
Key Takeaway
Address global labor mobility barriers.
Themes
economic inequality
globalization
labor markets
border policy
wage disparity
Mood
critical
analytical
concerned
Type
policy
economic
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- international trade agreements
- skill-based immigration
- fair wage advocacy
Key Concepts
human rights
economic efficiency
migration economics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can policies balance national interests with global labor equity?
- What mechanisms could reduce wage gaps without harming local economies?
A Different Perspective
Legal and political constraints limit free movement of labor.
