Reserve Army
/ˈrɛzɜːrv ˈɑːrmi/
Definitions
- (n.) A contingent military force kept ready to supplement the regular armed forces.
The government called upon the reserve army to support active troops during the crisis.
- (n.) In labor law and Marxist legal theory, the segment of the workforce unemployed or underemployed, which can be drawn upon to discipline workers and influence labor conditions.
The reserve army of labor exerts downward pressure on wages and working conditions.
Forms
- reserve army
- reserve armies
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term has both a conventional military meaning and a socio-legal meaning in labor economics and legal theory; context determines the appropriate interpretation.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.