Exploitation facts for kids
Exploitation is when someone uses something or someone else for their own benefit. Sometimes, this can be a good thing, like when you exploit an opportunity to learn something new. But often, it means using someone unfairly, especially when they are in a weaker position.
When a person exploits a situation, it means they see a chance to do something that will help them. Very often, this also means it might be bad for other people. So, the first person uses the situation and also uses the other people unfairly.
What is Exploitation?
Exploitation often refers to using people in a way that is unfair or harmful to them. This can happen when someone takes advantage of another person's need or lack of power. For example, people, especially those with fewer skills, can be exploited in places called sweatshops.
Unfair Work and History
In a sweatshop, someone uses people's knowledge or skills to make them work for very little pay. The people doing the work might have to work long hours in bad conditions. The employers then sell the products for more money and keep the extra money as profits. This allows the employers to become rich while the workers stay poor.
Ideas like Socialism and Communism often talked about the "exploitation of the masses." They meant that a few rich people were using many working people to do hard work for them. These workers were paid very little, while the employers became wealthy. Sadly, exploiting people still happens today in different ways around the world.
Related pages
See also
In Spanish: Explotación para niños
