Greenwashing: lavando o suor escravo com a narrativa verde

Abstract

This dissertation investigates the relationship between ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices and contemporary slave labor in Brazil, with a focus on how companies use “greenwashing” to conceal the exploitation of workers. The research is based on the premise that coloniality, with its structures of domination and power, perpetuates dehumanization and exploitation, thereby contributing to the persistence of modern-day labor exploitation. The study holds academic relevance by analyzing a topic that is still underexplored and social relevance by exposing the persistence of slave labor and the “greenwashing” strategies employed by large corporations. The qualitative methodology employs a critical analysis of the persistence of slave labor in Brazil. Methodological resources include bibliographic and documentary research, along with photographic iconography. The bibliographic research covers books, scientific articles, and news reports to discuss the history of slavery in Brazil, concepts of coloniality, ESG, “greenwashing,” real-world cases of companies that preach sustainability while exploiting their workforce, public policies to combat slave labor, and the construction of a collective memory. Documentary research is based on national and international legislation, data from the Ministry of Labor and Employment on rescued workers, legal case information, and public ESG documents from major companies. Photographic iconography, in turn, is used to provide visual information for a better understanding of contemporary slave labor. The images help to highlight the role of society in the fight against this crime, focusing on the contribution of media and public agencies to building a collective memory and raising social awareness. The discourse of sustainability must not be used to obscure the reality of exploited lives. It is unacceptable for companies to profit from sustainability while continuing to exploit human beings at the expense of their dignity. Reparation for the victims is essential, and their memory must be known and honored.