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May 30
June 6
June 13
June 20
June 27
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In Week 4 of "A Developing World" we examine sweatshops, factories
in
developing countries producing clothing and other products for the developed
world. We will use be using sweatshops as a case study in examining
unfair
trading practices. As competetion increases in the global marketplace,
governments and businesses in developing countries engage in a race
towards
the bottom, where the end result is that factory workers are faced with
human
rights violations as they try to make a living.
Whose 'fault' is it? The factory management for performing the violations?
Local governments for forcing 'cost efficiencies' to make international
deals? Multinational businesses like Nike for causing the 'race to the
bottom' amongst developing countries? Consumers like us for buying based
on
price? How should you respond? Boycott or buycott? What is the role
of
corporate codes of conduct and international trade treaties?
Activities this evening will include some brief exercises on where
our
clothes come from and who gets paid how much. Then we will engage in
a
roleplay involving differing perspectives on the Sweatshop issue. After
a snack
break, we'll give you a Sweatshop Fashion Show, an entertaining way
of
learning more about specific businesses abusing human rights in their
factories. We will wrap up the evening discussing some difficult issues
regarding sweatshops with a focus on how YOU can respond to this problem.
Sweatshop Links:
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