Major
Nursing
Minor(s)
Thanatology, Biology & Leadership
Advisor
Melissa Boyd-Colvin
Date
12-2019
Abstract
The research project examines a case study of the rubber tire giant and the largest employer in Liberia - Firestone. This project offers a comprehensive historical analysis of experiences on the rubber plantations in Haribel, Liberia. Through historical research and personal interviews, the project explores and examines the history and reform made by this company over the last 96 years and how it affected the lower-tier worker (Tappers) struggles. The researcher finds herself in a space that allows for a profound review of the company's influence on the workers' experience brought forth through multiple in-depth interviews. The intentions are to learn about this company’s past relationship with its workers, in an effort to grasp a deepened understanding of the experiences of lower-tier workers; and to suggest ways to promote awareness and change regarding fairness and equality among workers and staff. Observations were made about the influence of neo-colonialism in Firestone’s worker and company relations. The student aimed to learn about the importance of unionizing (for lower-tier workers) in this case. A brief historical analysis of Firestone's history in Liberia along with commonalities in worker contracts were explored. The presenter gained awareness about how this particular situation influenced emigration from Liberia. The objective of this project was to research, organize and document qualitative findings of the experiences of Liberians that had lived on the plantations of Firestone (workers and their families) and in neighboring communities; in order to build a professional reference list for others to learn more about this case (building awareness). The presenter concludes this project, by summarizing, archiving and sharing these findings and providing a resource for future exploration into these important stories.
Media Format
youtube