Rittich's presentation delved into the critical role of legal frameworks in shaping labor market outcomes during crises. She emphasized the importance of understanding labor activities beyond traditional market structures, particularly unpaid domestic work and informal labor, which are often marginalized in economic discourse.
The seminar explored how macroeconomic governance and distributional struggles impact various workplaces, highlighting the influence of legal rules such as contract law, competition law, and corporate law on labor dynamics. Rittich addressed the legal foundations of racial divisions within the labor market, arguing that different legal regimes perpetuate existing inequalities.Drawing on her extensive research in labor law, global governance, and critical theory, Rittich linked historical perspectives to contemporary issues. Her current work examines the connections between colonial and contemporary labor market governance, focusing on how law shapes "free" and "unfree" labor. By linking historical perspectives to contemporary issues, Rittich encouraged participants to consider how legal structures can either reinforce or challenge existing inequalities.
This seminar served as a valuable opportunity for attendees to reflect on the complex relationships between law, labor, and social justice, emphasizing the importance of integrating diverse labor experiences into discussions about political economy, enriching the academic discourse at Peking University.
Written by: Akash Babar
Edited by: Wang Mengjiao
