Following up with a few main points that both Kate and Chad made today in class. I would like to discuss sweatshops within the world. Not only within the United States (which I feel is unacceptable) but also within third world countries. As many of us know, almost all of our clothing items are made from sweatshop laborers. It is a rare find if we find pieces made within the country. There are many reasons for this continuing use of sweatshops. And the main reason includes Chad’s question in class, would we be willing to sacrifice items for the costs of clothing. The sacrifice would include small things like a new pair of shoes that are not necessary, or a meal at Olive Garden but it would also include very large items and luxuries. Would we be willing to sacrifice everyday luxuries that we hardly think twice about for an item of clothing made in the united states These sacrifices would be necessary to make because of the potential cost of American made items (assuming the worker would be paid at least minimum wage). For example, last week I bought a new pair of jeans from AE. The jeans costs me approximately $42.00, I know that fair paid laborers did not make these jeans. If fair paid laborers made them, I am assuming that they would at least cost me three times as much. Taking into consideration the minimum wage of $6.85 an hour, with the costs of factory fees (including electricity, heating, and water) and the profit margin for the company.
Though the point I am making may seem to be redundant and slightly harsh, it is something to take into consideration before one discusses sweatshops. I am not saying that sweatshop labor is acceptable, and the conditions are terrible but the economy would be largely affected (both the economy within the united states and the economies of countries that harbor sweat shops). The United States economy would be affected through like dominos; the cost of necessary items would increase, then the minimum wage would need to increase, and possibly the cost of living would also increase.
Though the sweatshops within third world countries are a terrible source of income, it is a source of income. Many people survive off of selling their crops or goods, women may weave within the small village, but other then agriculture a source of income is minimal. It is a very sad, but true statement. The sweatshops provide money for these families and citizens of third world countries. If the sweatshop were not prevalent, where would the income come from? Though sweatshops do provide an income and job for many citizens, the conditions do need to be improved.
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I agree with Jessica in that there is a reason sweatshops are prevalent and profitable. Granted, the owners of the factories are trying to make a profit, but they are offering jobs and a way of life for the communities in which they are located. Many people scoff at the conditions and lowly pay (according to our standars) but how do we know that these people are not a little better off because of it? The conditions are atrocious to our standards, and probably poor to many other standards. But I think before we all grab our pitchforks and begin to berate these companies for subjecting it's employees to such conditions, we should take a look at the situation before those companies moved in. Arguing against sweatshops looks morally good on paper, but I think other factors need to be taken into consideration.
**As a note, I in no way condone sweatshops, just thought a different perspective would be enlightening.
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