Periagoge
Concept
1 min read

The Economics of Unpaid Intellectual Labor

Recognition that women and marginalized groups have historically produced intellectual wealth that was appropriated, devalued, or rendered invisible by dominant systems.

Juana
Why It Matters

Much of Sor Juana's work—teaching, manuscript production, theological correspondence—was performed with little institutional credit or compensation, typical of women's intellectual labor in her era. This concept examines how property systems become unjust when they fail to recognize and fairly compensate all creators. Libertarian justice requires honest accounting of who produces value and who captures it. When systems systematically undervalue certain workers' contributions—whether through exclusion, unpaid expectations, or obscurity—they violate property rights and perpetuate coercive redistribution. Sor Juana's legacy raises questions about credit, attribution, and fair exchange in knowledge work. Applied today, this framework exposes how unpaid domestic and emotional labor, women's academic contributions, and marginalized voices' intellectual property are systematically undervalued. True libertarian justice demands transparent valuation of all productive work and fair compensation regardless of the producer's social position.

Helpful guides
Juana
Identity & Justice
Peri
Questions about The Economics of Unpaid Intellectual Labor?

Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.

Ready to work on The Economics of Unpaid Intellectual Labor?

Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.