Deconstructing The “ideal Worker” Model: Labor Dignity And Gender Equality Reforms In East Asian Authoritarian Capitalism
Keywords:
labor dignity, employment discrimination, labor fairness legal system, gender equalityAbstract
This study aims to explore the practical dilemmas and legal reforms of gender equality as the core of morality and basic personality rights in contemporary society. Although global gender equality norms have been gradually established since the mid-20th century, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) trends in recent years have regarded gender diversity as a key indicator of corporate sustainability, female workers still face deep statistical discrimination and glass ceiling effects, reinforcing the 'ideal worker' paradigm that marginalizes those with caregiving responsibilities. under the unique "authoritarian capitalism" and "patriarchy" structure in East Asia. On the basis of legal theory, it is argued that labor equality should not only be an instrumental economic consideration but should also resort to "equal care and respect" and the protection of "human dignity." The study points out that the gendered imagination of "ideal workers" in East Asian workplaces is essentially an infringement of workers' subjectivity and authenticity. Through an analysis of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) "Decent Work" framework, this paper criticizes the alienation caused by the excessive commodification of labor under capitalism. Finally, this article connects with the context of Taiwan's 2023 amendment to the "Three Gender Equality Laws," advocating for a two-pronged approach to "transnational constitutionalism" and South Korea's "4Rs" governance strategy (recruitment, retention, restart, and representation). This study believes that only by deconstructing the power hierarchy within the workplace and transforming the right to equality from "passive compliance" to "subjective dignity" can we implement a labor dignity environment with East Asian subjectivity and in line with universal values.
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