Mercantile Racism: Labor, Currency, Economics, and Race in Maryland and Sénégal

Abstract

This international study critically examined if and how the implicit theories of value in both labor and currency generate policy practices and outcomes that directly or indirectly perpetuate labor or economic slavery of marginalized citizens and developing nations. I leaned on Critical Race Theory (CRT) to frame the discussion as its theorists contended that laws are sometimes used to create classism and subjugate minorities. Under this framework, I assessed the social and economic consequences wage distribution policies in the Prison Industry Enhancement (PIE) program in Maryland bear on inmate laborers; as well as, evaluated how the monetary and currency policies between France and franc zone countries, specifically Sénégal in West Africa, affect citizens’ economic welfare. This study revealed that PIE income distribution policies contribute to ex-inmates’ maigre take-home earnings and add to their financial burdens as they are unable to meet their basic needs. Financial stress is linked to crime; thus, ex-inmates’ inability to meet the basic needs for food, shelter, and transportation could increase their risks for recidivism, which are higher the first six to twelve months following release. On the other hand, the policies for program entry and income distributions do not signal labor servitude, although inmates are not the primary beneficiary of their income. Unlike PIE findings, the monetary and currency policies between France and Sénégal resemble labor and monetary servitude that render franc zone States vulnerable to poverty, underdevelopment, low hopes for sustained growth, and continued economic struggles. Consequently, creating and sustaining poverty for African citizens in the franc zone. Although the weak and insufficient attempts from African leaders to control the narrative play a role in sustaining citizens’ poverty, the monetary and currency policies between Sénégal in the franc zone and its former colonizer, France, failed to meet their publicly expressed goals to lead to economic betterment for most citizens who reside in Sénégal, particularly rural workers.