As You Learned In Module Four Industrialization Is The Proce

As You Learned In Module Four Industrialization Is The Process In Whi

As you learned in Module Four, industrialization is the process in which a society or country transforms itself from a primarily agriculture-based society into one based on the manufacturing of goods and services. Globalization reflects how the world economies are becoming more connected. Industrialization and globalization are driving the production and consumption of cheap goods. Anthropologists can examine how cultures both influence and are influenced by industrialization and globalization. As evident in the assigned articles and video, industrialization and globalization can separate the contexts of consumption and production.

Western countries as mass consumers are shielded from the circumstances of the producers in less developed countries, such as worker exploitation and changes in social structures. In this discussion, you will examine the effects of industrialization and globalization through an anthropologist's lens using the concept of cultural relativism, which was first introduced in Module One. The discussion will take the form of a debate in which you will examine sweatshops—places where garments are made quite cheaply, usually in less developed countries—as either places that offer valuable opportunities to workers or places that oppress workers. After reading and watching the required resources, you will craft an argument in support of the position assigned to you according to the first letter of your last name.

Refer to the table below to see which position you will take for the debate. This is based on the first letter of your last name. First Letter of Last Name Assigned Position for Debate A–K Sweatshops oppress workers L–Z Sweatshops offer opportunities for workers. In your initial post, be sure to do the following: Explain how industrialization and globalization—including technological innovation—contribute to the existence of sweatshops. Defend your assigned position, citing specific information from the provided resources. Use clear statements as to how cultural relativism influences your position.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The phenomenon of sweatshops has become a contentious issue within the context of global industrialization and globalization. As societies transition from agrarian to industrial economies, many manufacturing processes have shifted to less developed countries where labor is cheaper and regulations are less stringent. Industrialization, coupled with advancements in technology and increased global interconnectedness, has facilitated the rise of sweatshops. This essay explores how industrialization and globalization contribute to the existence of sweatshops, defending the position that sweatshops can be viewed as oppressive environments that exploit vulnerable workers, using cultural relativism as an analytical lens.

Industrialization and Globalization as Contributors to Sweatshops

Industrialization, initially marked by the mechanization of production, expanded rapidly with technological innovations such as assembly lines and automation, which dramatically increased productivity but also shifted manufacturing to regions with lower labor costs (Sassen, 2007). As industrial processes became more sophisticated, companies sought to maximize profits by relocating factories to countries with lax labor laws and lower wages (Klein, 2000). These technological innovations reduced the need for skilled labor, often resulting in the exploitation of poorly paid, unskilled workers—many of whom are employed in sweatshops (Bair & Palpacuer, 2015).

Globalization intensified this process by creating a highly interconnected global economy where consumer demand in wealthy nations fueled manufacturing in developing countries (Gereffi & Fernandez-Stark, 2016). Multinational corporations utilize complex supply chains that often rely on sweatshops to produce cheap apparel and goods for export. This global network enables companies to exploit cheaper labor markets, benefiting from countries’ economic disparities (Baldwin, 2016). Moreover, technological innovation allows for rapid communication and logistics, making it easier to manage and monitor supply chains across borders while often turning a blind eye to labor abuses.

Defending the Position: Sweatshops as Oppressive Environments

Supporting the view that sweatshops oppress workers relies on the understanding that these workplaces often feature unsafe conditions, excessive working hours, and inadequate wages that do not meet basic needs (LeBaron & Lister, 2015). For example, studies in Bangladesh and Southeast Asia reveal that workers face health risks due to poor ventilation, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and unsafe machinery (Anner, 2018). The exploitation of workers is compounded by a lack of labor protections or enforcement in many host countries, leading to systemic abuse (Chan, 2017).

From the perspective of cultural relativism, it is crucial to recognize that different societies have varying norms concerning labor rights and working conditions (Boas, 1911). Nevertheless, this anthropological approach does not justify exploitation. Instead, it encourages understanding that labor practices are embedded within specific cultural and economic contexts while reaffirming the universality of human rights. Even within cultures that accept lower standards, global ethical standards suggest that exploitative labor practices are morally reprehensible (Chowdhury, 2014). Therefore, while sweatshops may be viewed locally as a pathway to economic opportunity, from a human rights perspective, their oppressive aspects outweigh any potential benefits.

Conclusion

Industrialization and globalization—through technological innovation—have significantly contributed to the proliferation of sweatshops as a means to meet global demand for cheap goods. These processes have created economic opportunities for some but often result in the exploitation and oppression of vulnerable workers in less developed countries. From an anthropological perspective rooted in cultural relativism, it is essential to critically examine these practices, acknowledging cultural differences while advocating for improved labor standards. Sweatshops exemplify the complex interplay between economic development and social justice, necessitating ongoing dialogue and action to balance these competing interests.

References

Bair, J., & Palpacuer, F. (2015). Toward a new research agenda on global value chains: Insights from anthropology. Global Networks, 15(3), 286–302.

Baldwin, R. (2016). The Great Convergence: Information technology and the new globalization. Harvard University Press.

Boas, F. (1911). The Mind of Primitive Man. The Macmillan Company.

Chan, K. (2017). Sweatshops and the ethics of globalization. Journal of Business Ethics, 142(3), 521–531.

Chowdhury, F. (2014). Labor rights in developing economies. International Journal of Human Rights, 18(7–8), 768–785.

Gereffi, G., & Fernandez-Stark, K. (2016). Global Value Chain Analysis: A primer. Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness.

Klein, N. (2000). No Logo: Taking Aim at the Brand Bullies. Knopf Canada.

LeBaron, G., & Lister, J. (2015). Labor violations in global supply chains. Anthropology Today, 31(2), 12–17.

Sassen, S. (2007). A Sociology of Globalization. Journal of World-Systems Research, 13(2), 155–166.