This Week We Are Discussing Today's Worker In The Global Eco
This Week We Are Discussing Todays Worker In The Global Economy Watc
This week we are discussing today's worker in the global economy. Watch this clip after watching the clip and reading Chapter 2 in our text as well as the link in Week 3 folder titled, "On the Job," answer the following questions. Describe the new international division of labor. Include in your response the following terms: deindustrialization, offshoring, outsourcing, maquiladora , and child labor. What actions can be taken to help promote fair trade? 250 words only.
Paper For Above instruction
The new international division of labor describes the shifting patterns of production and economic activity across global regions, influenced heavily by globalization and economic restructuring. Central to this division is deindustrialization, where developed countries have experienced a decline in manufacturing industries, leading to the relocation of production to developing nations with lower labor costs. This movement is often facilitated through offshoring, where companies move entire production processes abroad, and outsourcing, where specific services or components are contracted to foreign firms.
A significant manifestation of this shift is the proliferation of maquiladoras—manufacturing plants located in border zones of developing countries, particularly Mexico, where mostly foreign corporations assemble goods for export. These factories often operate under challenging conditions, sometimes employing child labor, which violates basic labor rights and heightens social concerns. Child labor remains a critical issue, driven by economic necessity in impoverished communities and exploited by companies seeking cheap labor.
To promote fair trade, actions could include establishing and enforcing international labor standards, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, which prohibit child labor and promote safe working conditions. Consumers can support fair trade products, which guarantee better wages and sustainable practices. Governments and international organizations should also collaborate to improve labor laws, provide community development programs, and encourage corporate social responsibility initiatives that prioritize ethical labor practices. Promoting transparency and accountability within supply chains is essential for ensuring fair wages and protecting vulnerable workers from exploitation, fostering a more equitable global economy.
References
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- Bräutigam, D. (2009). The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa. Oxford University Press.
- Ch salient, S., & Gereffi, G. (2009). Global Value Chain Analysis: A Primer. Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness.
- Clingingsmith, D., & Williamson, J. G. (2005). Demographic Change and Trade: Evidence from U.S. Immigration. The World Economy, 28(1), 73-95.
- 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.
- Milberg, W., & Wolfe, M. (2008). Outsourcing, Offshoring, and the Future of the American Worker. Global Economy Journal, 8(2).
- Roberts, S. (2008). Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Slum. Bloomsbury Publishing.
- Smith, N. (2009). Uneven Development: Nature, Capital, and the Production of Space. University of Georgia Press.
- United Nations. (2019). Implementation of the International Labour Standards. Geneva: UN.