Loading...
Journal Title
Readers/Advisors
Young, Carson
Journal Title
Term and Year
Publication Date
2023-04-27
Book Title
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
Publication Begin
Publication End
Number of pages
Collections
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Sweatshop labor has been a source of debate among scholars due to the ethical concerns it raises.
A defender of sweatshops would argue that sweatshop labor is a means of reducing company
costs that also provides employment opportunities to economically underdeveloped countries. A
sweatshop opponent would defend that potentially hazardous working conditions and minimal
wages cannot be ethically justified. Previous studies in the field have highlighted both the
strengths and weaknesses of each side of the sweatshop labor debate. This paper will take the
specific position that sweatshops are a permissible form of labor so long as laborers are able to
maintain a minimum standard of living, which includes affording basic necessities and having
basic human rights respected. In addition, the paper argues that there is some motivation for
businesses to promote socially responsible business practices extending beyond legal
requirements.