The Ethical and Economic Case Against Sweatshop Labor: A Critical Assessment

Abstract

During the last decade, scholarly criticism of sweatshops has grown increasingly sophisticated. This article reviews the new moral and economic foundations of these criticisms and argues that they are flawed. It seeks to advance the debate over sweatshops by noting the extent to which the case for sweatshops does, and does not, depend on the existence of competitive markets. It attempts to more carefully distinguish between different ways in which various parties might seek to modify sweatshop behavior, and to point out that there is more room for consensus regarding some of these methods than has previously been recognized. It addresses the question of when sweatshops are justified in violating local labor laws. And it assesses the relevance of recent literature on coercion and exploitation as it applies to sweatshop labor. It concludes with a list of challenges that critics of sweatshops must meet to productively advance the debate.

Transfer of responsibility between supply chains

“…On one hand they are able to get employment, but on the other it might only help reinforce social problems. (Similar conundrums have been discussed by authors such as de Mesquita and Smith (2012) and Powell and Zwolinski (2012). )…”

“…Coakley and Kates (2013), as well as Powell and Zwolinski (2012), debate a similar topic, sweatshops, and whether or not it is desirable for the workers to have sweatshops regulated. It is even harder to determine if the overall activity of shipbreaking, as described above, is positive or negative if we account for both environmental and social issues.…”

Consumer attitudes towards luxury fashion apparel made in sweatshops

“…Most American apparel manufacturers and retailers source and import their products from approximately 150 undeveloped countries where sweatshops are commonly found (Harrison and Scorse 2010). This accentuates the already fierce debate on this issue among the media, student groups, union leaders, government officials and even environmentalists (Harrison and Scorse 2010;Powell and Zwolinski 2012). Brands such as H&M, Nike, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Adidas, amongst many other familiar brand names were found to be utilising sweatshops to manufacture their apparel (Snyder 2010;Palmer 2013).…”

“…Brands such as H&M, Nike, Ralph Lauren, DKNY, Adidas, amongst many other familiar brand names were found to be utilising sweatshops to manufacture their apparel (Snyder 2010;Palmer 2013). Consumers are concerned not only of the products that a retailer sells or what the best prices they can offer, but also the conditions of how the products are being produced (Snyder 2010;Palmer 2013;Powell and Zwolinski 2012).…”

“…The recent tragic collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh sparked and renewed media attention on luxury brands who have had a fair share in using sweatshops to manufacture their expensive goods, which further questions not only the poor working conditions for sweatshop workers, but also the consumption of ethical products in the luxury context (Palmer 2013;Powell and Zwolinski 2012;Snyder 2010). Davies, Lee and Ahonkhai (2012) cited that while research in sweatshops is rampant in other contexts, no studies to date have specifically looked at luxury fashion products.…”