The+Dirt+on+Sweatshop+Labour

//**Name:**// Zoe Calleja //**Student Number:**// n8862516 //**Tutor:**// Judith Meiklejohn

="Three Reasons Sweatshops are Good for the Poor" =

media type="file" key="Top 3 Ways Sweatshops Help The Poor Escape Poverty.mp4" width="300" height="300"

(Learn Liberty, 2012)

**CULTURAL ARTEFACT **
Presented above is a video by Professor Matt Zwolinski, an associate professor of Philosophy from the University of San Diego, whose aim was to provide a different perspective on sweatshop labour. In his video he does not attempt to dispute the treatment of sweatshop workers. Instead, he presents three strong arguments that support sweatshop establishment particularly within poor populations. Firstly, he states that sweatshops make their workers better off by providing wages that exceed other alternatives. Secondly, he indicates that to prohibit sweatshop operation would result in increased poverty. Professor Zwolinski concludes with his final point which suggests that sweatshops contribute to a reduction in global poverty by enhancing economic development and offering these superior incomes.

PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE
The overarching issue addressed by this video is sweatshop labour, specifically the complexity involved in its reform. Economist, Professor Ben Powell, indicates that sweatshops are integral to the economic development of poverty-stricken countries but that the conditions suffered by these workers also cannot be dismissed (Learn Liberty, 2011). The economic differences that separate the developed from the developing populations enable exploitation and force the poor to endure the substandard working conditions implemented by the rich (Radin & Calkins, 2006). It is this inequality and its impact on health which represents the central health problem to be addressed. An enhanced economy, such as is achieved through sweatshops, will improve health as suggested by the World Health Organization (World Health Organization, 2013b). However, these benefits to health will not be observed if this economic development is not met with appropriate working conditions.

LITERATURE REVIEW
Globalisation is the term that refers to the changes occurring in the economy, politics, society and culture as a result of the technological advances that have been observed over the last approximately 30 years (Pyles 2009). Guttal suggests that this phenomenon has led to the deterioration of national boundaries and the increased movement of goods, services and capital transnationally (Guttal, 2007). The re-emergence of sweatshops has been attributed to globalisation (Rudell, 2006). It is also being held responsible for the unsafe working environments that have accompanied these establishments (Pyles, 2009). With the continuation of globalisation comes difficulties with monitoring, the ability to overlook labour standards and an increase in demand for low cost apparel (Rudell, 2006). However, Rudell indicates that sweatshop operation is welcomed by these newly industrialising countries as it raises their exports and economy (Rudell, 2006).

Investigation into the poor treatment and lack of adherence to labour standards reveals the health effects suffered by these workers. It has been argued that they are more susceptible to injuries involving repeated motions and face increased exposure to toxic chemicals, airborne pollutants and malfunctioning equipment (Arnold & Bowie, 2003). Factory tracking in Bangladesh in 2005 identified violations of health and safety including the insufficiency of fire safety equipment, training, first aid kits and procedures, toilet facilities and protective clothing (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010). Fire safety is one of the most prevalent workplace hazards encountered by these workers (Arnold & Bowie, 2003). Sweatshops employers are also infamous for locking their workers within the facilities. This becomes extremely dangerous when employees are unable to escape in the event of a factory fire (Arnold & Bowie, 2003). The operation of sweatshops in residential buildings has contributed to an increase in such fires and also building collapses (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010).

Analysis by Arthur and Bowie reveals that despite these conditions the workers still choose this employment as sweatshop jobs are regarded as superior to both unemployment and the other alternatives available to these developing populations (Arnold & Bowie, 2003). After being employed, workers are usually coerced into meeting production targets through extensive overtime without the appropriate pay. Non-compliance is punishable with job loss which is feared by workers who rely on even the smallest amount of income to survive (Arthur & Bowie, 2003). This fear has led to employees sleeping at the factories to meet requirements, to the miscarriages of pregnant workers who have been unable to leave and seek proper medical attention, and to an increase in the injuries being incurred (Arnold & Bowie, 2003). The evidence collated by Arthur and Bowie does not imply sweatshop operation should cease. It requests that workers be given the right to decline overtime, to receive medical attention when required and to be allocated appropriate workloads. Most importantly they believe workers be allowed these rights without fear of unemployment (Arnold & Bowie, 2003).

Research by Powell and Skarbek from 2006 also supports sweatshop continuation. In eight out of the ten countries they examined, sweatshop employees were found to receive a wage equal to or exceeding the average income of that country. This is represented by Figure 1 below (Powell & Skarbek, 2006). Powell has also identified that even though these workers’ incomes seem low in comparison to our Western standards (Learn Liberty, 2011), they are in fact sufficient. For this reason sweatshops help to alleviate poverty and are being defended by mainstream economists such as Powell and Skarbek. It is important to note that these economists do not argue the evidence regarding the conditions being suffered (Miller, 2003).

//**Figure 1:**// Apparel Industry Wages as a Percentage of Average National Income per Worker (Powell & Skarbek, 2006)



As employees continue to accept sweatshop work the companies responsible can allow the already substandard conditions to worsen. This has led to a rise in the frequency and magnitude of sweatshop-related disasters which emphasise the importance of addressing this issue. Take for example the Rana Plaza building collapse that occurred in Dhaka, Bangladesh in April 2013. A death toll of more than 1100 sweatshop workers was recorded indicating this is the world’s worst industrial accident to have occurred since 1984 (Hobson, 2013). Sweatshop labour must be dealt with or more such fatalities will occur. The present societal inequalities have allowed sweatshop labour to prosper. Information regarding the health effects of these inequalities also draws attention to the need to address this issue. The World Health Organization’s data on the relationship between income and life expectancy provides a clear example of this. Figure 2 below portrays that a lower income correlates with a reduced life expectancy at birth (WHO, 2013a). This relationship cannot continue to be accepted by society. These low income countries require the economic development provided by sweatshop labour to assist in reducing this inequality but this will have little value if their health status remains unchanged due to unfair treatment and working environments. Therefore, in order to enhance the health of these workers the strategies used must address both the inequalities of society and the conditions being inflicted.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%;">//**Figure 2:**// Life expectancy at birth in relation to World Bank income grouping (2011) (WHO, 2013a) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 120%; line-height: 0px; overflow: hidden;">

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Discussing this public health issue has little significance if the evidence used is not reliable. The methodologies utilised by these researchers must be considered as well as the associated limitations. One study used data from factory inspections in their analysis (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010). Potentially limiting this is the fact that the International Labour Organization (ILO) was responsible for these inspections and the publication of the results. If the ILO wished to promote the success of a particular intervention against sweatshop labour then the violations observed could have been downplayed. If they were trying to portray the severity of these conditions and their need to be addressed then the findings may have been exaggerated (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010). Parts of this literature review are based on research by economists who are believed to only consider sweatshops from an exchange perspective. This can be viewed as a limitation as it could lead to the obscurity of other factors affecting the central issue (Miller, 2003). However, even those completely opposing these economists still find truth in their information (Powell & Skarbek, 2006). A separate study utilised evidence collected from a comparative analysis of three different organisations. These organisations were diverse and their investigation relied on scholarly data and other such sources of information (Pyles 2009). The only limitation to this methodology was that interviews with participants were not performed which could have provided more insight into the similarities and differences of these organisations (Pyles 2009). Although there are limitations to this literature review it is not expected that they were great enough to question the understanding developed or the need to address this issue. However, consideration of their presence is still important.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ANALYSIS
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Karl Marx’s views on inequality can be strongly applied to the topic of sweatshop labour. Marx believes societal inequalities and poverty are the consequences of the capitalist production method which controls the presence of sweatshops (Peet, 1975). These methods rely on the interclass inequalities that allow workers to be exploited to produce a profit. This desire for profit drives capitalists to reduce production costs wherever possible and this can be related to the presence of poor working conditions (Peet, 1975). Marx recognises that as this capital grows so do the inequalities of society and this feeds exploitation, therefore sweatshop labour, directly (Peet, 1975). He suggests that little will be achieved through the promotion of policies focused on resolving only the symptoms of inequality (Peet, 1975). This is to be importantly considered when forming strategies to address sweatshop labour. He recommends that instead strategies be aimed at creating a production mode that encourages equality and social justice for all (Peet, 1975).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">In support of Marx, certain companies have moved toward more ethical business. In 1992, the large brand-name apparel manufacturer, Levi Strauss and Company (LS&Co), established standards promoting safe working environments, fair employment practices, compliance to legal requirements and more (Wong & Taylor, 2000). Through this LS&Co suffered a competitive disadvantage because consumers continue to be attracted to less expensive clothing (Vrontis & Vronti, 2004). With time it is hoped their ethical practice will set the benchmark for competitors as workers begin to demand the same treatment (Radin & Calkins, 2006). The International Labour Organization (ILO) promotes similar labour standards (International Labour Organization, 2013). Due to the recent progression of globalisation, the ILO adopted a Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization (ILO, 2008). This recognises the increased need for better, fairer outcomes for all workers during this era. It also acknowledges that globalisation can either enhance or reduce societal inequality and thereby affect sweatshop labour directly (ILO, 2008). With globalisation has come an increase in freer trade due to the consequential reduction in trade and investment barriers worldwide (Mejía-Vergnaud, 2004). Some argue this trend will widen the gap between the wealthy and poor whereas others suggest the economic growth it produces will alleviate poverty (Mejía-Vergnaud, 2004). However, if closed markets prevailed benefits would only be experienced by the developed populations. This would increase inequality and allow exploitation, contradicting the values of those who oppose free trade and sweatshop labour (Mejía-Vergnaud, 2004).

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">As emphasised, it is the developing populations being most affected by sweatshop labour and any changes in its prevalence. Within these populations certain social groups are being more greatly influenced. In the Asian economies, women constitute an average of 75 percent of all sweatshop workers (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010). Countries such as Cambodia have been found to exceed this (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010). Women receive wages comparatively lower than men and hence are more heavily exploited by capitalists seeking lower production costs (Berik & van der Meulen Rodgers, 2010). As women form the majority of these workers and are more vulnerable to exploitation it can be understood why they stand to be the more affected by this issue. Therefore, not only does sweatshop labour unequally affect society as a whole, it also has an unequal impact upon those within these populations it affects most.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">The importance of discussing and addressing this issue lies with its complexity. Becoming aware of all sides of the argument will prevent ill-informed protesters from causing harm to those they are trying to assist (Miller, 2003). With this in mind public health officers should focus on; empowering and educating these workers with a knowledge of their rights and other important skills, developing these communities to reduce their reliance on exploitative labour, promoting corporations like LS&Co for their fairer and more sustainable work practices, and publicly shaming those corporations poorly treating their workers to pressure them into ceasing this behaviour (Radin & Calkins, 2006). These efforts do not aim to eradicate sweatshops, they endeavour to improve conditions for workers, reduce inequality and create positive outcomes for all. It is crucial these efforts are applied globally to prevent competing corporations from moving production to countries that are still vulnerable (Rothstein, 2005). The time and effort required by these strategies further emphasises how complex this issue truly is.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">ANALYSIS OF ARTEFACT AND LEARNING REFLECTIONS
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">In his video “Three Reasons Sweatshops are Good for the Poor”, Professor Matt Zwolinski provides his audience with evidence that contradicts the anti-sweatshop perspective. It is a good case in point of the broader issues encompassed by this topic. Throughout this analysis I have learnt the importance of considering all perspectives on an issue, no matter how absurd they may seem. The initial supporting argument Zwolinski presents is that the relationship between these workers and their employer is mutually beneficial. This holds true in terms of the superior wages received but in no way is their unfair treatment beneficial. The second reason provided implies that sweatshops are vital in these developing countries. Their removal would likely result in decreased economic development, an increase in poverty and an increase in the adverse health outcomes associated. However, to allow sweatshops to continue would also cause undesirable health effects if their current environments are not changed. Professor Zwolinski concludes by inferring that sweatshops contribute to reducing global poverty. They provide the economic development necessary in this reduction but sadly this growth does not compare to the capital accumulated by the developed populations. Therefore, inequality and exploitation will persist and the workers will continue to suffer conditions not unlike those experienced through poverty. Through the critique of this video and my participation in this assessment I have been re-exposed to the thought 'never judge a book by its cover'; a simple childhood lesson with great relevance to the topic at hand. Before forming opinions, making judgements or taking action toward an issue it is important to consider all appropriate information. This approach to learning will be of great value to future assessment pieces and the addressing of any issues I encounter throughout my career as a health professional.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">REFERENCE LIST
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Arnold, D. G., & Bowie, N. E. (2003). Sweatshops and Respect for Persons. Business Ethics Quarterly, 13(2), 221-242. Retrieved from http://www.pdcnet.org/beq

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Berik, G., & van der Meulen Rodgers, Y. (2010). Options for Enforcing Labour Standards: Lessons from Bangladesh and Cambodia. Journal of International Development, 22(1), 56-85. doi: 10.1002/jid.1534

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Radin, T. J., & Calkins, M. (2006). The Struggle Against Sweatshops: Moving Toward Responsible Global Business. Journal of Business Ethics, 66(2-3), 261-272. doi: 10.1007/s10551-005-5597-8

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Guttal, S. (2007). Globalisation. Development in Practice, 17(4-5), 523-531. doi: 10.1080/09614520701469492

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Hobson, J. (2013). To die for? The health and safety of fast fashion. Occupational Medicine, 63(5), 317-319. doi: 10.1093/occmed/kqt079

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">International Labour Organization. (2008). ILO Declaration on Social Justice for a Fair Globalization. Retrieved from the International Labour Organization website http://www.ilo.org/global/meetings-and-events/campaigns/voices-on-social-justice/WCMS_099766/lang--en/index.htm

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">International Labour Organization. (2013). Mission and objectives. Retrieved from http://www.ilo.org/global/about-the-ilo/mission-and-objectives/lang--en/index.htm

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Learn Liberty. (2011, May 12). The Unbelievable Truth about Sweatshops [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2sW2wt3nLU

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Learn Liberty. (2012, June 7). Three Reasons Sweatshops are Good for the Poor [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.learnliberty.org/videos/top-3-ways-sweatshops-help-poor-escape-poverty

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Mejía-Vergnaud, A. (2004). Effects of Globalization. Society, 41(3), 66-70. doi: 10.1007/BF02690185

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Miller, J. (2003). Why Economists Are Wrong about Sweatshops and the Antisweatshop Movement. Challenge, 46(1), 93-122. Retrieved from http://www.challengemagazine.com/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Peet, R. (1975). Inequality and Poverty: A Marxist-Geographic Theory. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 65(4), 564-571. Retrieved from http://www.aag.org/cs/publications/annals

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Powell, B., & Skarbek, D. B. (2006). Sweatshops and Third World Living Standards: Are the Jobs Worth the Sweat?. Journal of Labor Research, 27(2), 263-274. doi: 10.1007/s12122-006-1006-z

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Pyles, L. (2009). Where's the “Freedom” in Free Trade? Framing Practices and Global Economic Justice. Journal of Community Practice, 17(1-2), 73-87. doi: 10.1080/10705420902856183

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Rothstein, R. (2005). Defending Sweatshops. Dissent, 52(2), 41-47. Retrieved from http://www.dissentmagazine.org/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Rudell. F. (2006). Shopping With a Social Conscience: Consumer Attitudes Toward Sweatshop Labor. Clothing and Textiles Research Journal, 24(4), 282-296. doi: 10.1177/0887302X06293063 (globalisation and sweatshops)

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Vrontis, D., & Vronti, P. (2004). Levi Strauss: an international marketing investigation. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 8(4), 389-398. doi: 10.1108/13612020410559984

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Wong, E., & Taylor, G. (2000). An investigation of ethical sourcing practices: Levi Strauss & Co. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 4(1), 71-79. doi: 10.1108/eb022581

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">World Health Organization. (2013a). Life expectancy: Life expectancy by World Bank income group. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://apps.who.int/gho/data/view.main.700?lang=en

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">World Health Organization. (2013b). Poverty. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://www.who.int/topics/poverty/en/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 130%;">REFLECTION
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Comment 1 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64670878

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">Comment 2 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 110%;">http://healthcultureandsociety2013.wikispaces.com/share/view/64671056