Modern Slavery in the Diamond Jewelry Business: How Can Science Combat It?

Abstract

Modern slavery exists in developed and developing countries and in both labor-intensive and high‐end sectors. While the business literature has paid attention to the role public, private, and social actors play in combating modern slavery business practices, the contribution science can make has so far remained under the radar of business scholars. Yet science is a critical player that can disrupt modern slavery. Focusing on the precarious state of diamond mining in Africa, long known for labor exploitation, we argue that synthetic diamonds can bring transparency to the diamond jewelry industry and help disrupt modern slavery practices prevailing in this business. The article contributes to scholarly conversations that address Sustainable Development Goal 8 aimed at eliminating modern slavery.