Why Do Sweatshops Exist In Developing Countries?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The workers will work long hours, in unsafe or unhealthy conditions, for very low pay. Companies try to increase their profits by driving down the cost of production. ... So basically, the citizens of the advanced industrial countries exploit the workers in developing countries in order to get low cost clothing .

Why do people have to work in sweatshops?

Citizens work in sweatshops because they need income to support their families . They often do not have many choice and decide to work in sweatshops. Also families say it’s safer to work at a sweat shop, because “It’s a safer environment” and “Sweatshops are inside and at least you don’t have to be outside”.

Why are sweatshops used?

Sweatshops primarily exist in order to cut costs associated with production and manufacturing . ... Further, some of the most egregious sweatshops utilize human trafficking to employ cheap labor that essentially is paid slave wages.

Why do companies make their products in sweatshops?

And, despite their difference in market values, the reason for involving sweatshops in the supply chain is the same – profit . ... This exemplifies why it might seem financially viable to use sweatshops. Companies want to minimise manufacturing costs. If they feel they can get away with underpaying their workers, they will.

What are the negatives of sweatshops?

  • Low wages.
  • Long hours.
  • Dangerous.
  • Poor ventilation.
  • Dirty.
  • Cramped conditions.
  • poor equipment.
  • poor treatment of employees, eg, bullying.

Do sweatshops help or hurt the poor?

Studies have shown sweatshop jobs often pay three to seven times the wages paid elsewhere in the economy. ... But, taking away sweatshops does nothing to eliminate that poverty or to enhance their options. In fact, it only reduces them further, taking away what workers themselves regard as the best option they have.

Is sweatshops good or bad?

And sweatshops not only reduce poverty , but they also provide empowerment for women. Research has shown that work in sweatshops delays marriage and pregnancy for women and girls, and also increases their school enrollment. Poor women in developing countries are among the most vulnerable people on the planet.

How can we stop supporting sweatshops?

  1. Demand sweatshop-free products where you shop. ...
  2. Buy union-made, local, and secondhand. ...
  3. Buy Fair Trade. ...
  4. Ask questions. ...
  5. Mobilize in at your workplace, school, or in your community. ...
  6. Use shareholder clout. ...
  7. Educate Others.

Which companies use sweatshops?

  • Aeropostale. Aeropostale is one of the largest American retailers of casual apparel and accessories. ...
  • Adidas. Adidas creates shoes, clothing, and accessories. ...
  • ASOS. ...
  • Disney. ...
  • Forever 21. ...
  • GAP. ...
  • H&M. ...
  • Nike.

Are we responsible for sweatshops?

While many wealthy corporations have enough power to keep workers in poor conditions, we as consumers ultimately decide whether their products succeed on the market. ... The responsibility to decrease sweatshop labor therefore lies with the people.

Should we boycott sweatshops?

Some economists fear a boycott of sweatshop labour could lead to job losses and even worse conditions. But, a better campaign would put pressure on companies to produce responsibly and ensure minimum standards in factories where their products are made.

Why are sweatshops so bad?

Sweatshops often have poor working conditions, unfair wages, unreasonable hours, child labor, and a lack of benefits for workers . ... America has stronger labor laws than most undeveloped countries, but it is not free of sweatshop conditions. Many labor violations slip under the radar of the US Department of Labor.

What would happen if sweatshops were banned?

However, for some families in underdeveloped countries, child labor is necessary for mere survival. And if these factories did not exist, many of these children would be forced to take jobs that put them in more danger than sweatshops . ... Without access to these jobs, children will be forced into other sectors.

What human rights do sweatshops violate?

Conditions in Sweatshops. Sweatshops violate women’s human rights throughout the world. Common abuses include low wages that fail to meet basic costs of living, substandard and unsafe working and living conditions, long hours of overtime for which employees are not compensated, and sexual harassment.

What are the alternatives to sweatshops?

A specialist in development and public choice economics, Powell claimed that for people in developing countries, jobs in sweatshops are far better than the alternatives. The most common alternatives to sweatshop labor in many of these countries are substance agriculture and destitute poverty .

Which countries have the most sweatshops?

Sweatshops are all over the world but mostly found in Central America, South America, Asia, China, India and some parts of Europe as well.

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.