READING for Module 1 paper:
OPEN SOURCE TEXTBOOK: Jiminez, Guillermo C. and Elizabeth Pulos. Good Corporation, Bad Corporation: Corporate Social Responsibility in the Global Economy. Open SUNY: 2016. ISBN 13: 9781942341253
Ch. 8: “Fair Trade” Read the first two sections of this chapter, “Fair Trade: Conscious Consumerism Comes to Coffee” and “The Origins of Fair Trade”
CH. 9: “CSR and Sweatshops” Read this chapter in its entirety to gain an understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and how fashion industry practices contribute to global concerns about sweatshops
After you’ve read the materials, you will present a thoughtful analysis debating the pros and cons of global outsourcing and sweatshops. Although you are choosing a side in this argument, you will include BOTH pros and cons in your discussion. Include the following in your argument:
Briefly discuss the history of sweatshops, concept and development of fair trade, and advances in worker rights.
Think about the problem from multiple perspectives: the position of the retailer, manufacturer and consumer will represent different vantage points.
Considering responsibility, address common scenarios in your paper, such as:
-Who should be responsible for factory disasters, manufacturers or retailers?
-Should worker rights follow the labor laws of the apparel company’s country, or that of the factory location?
-Should corporations be held fully responsible for worker treatment and wages? Partly responsible? Is it the responsibility of the manufacturer?
After discussing the different sides of the argument, clearly conclude with your opinion and whether or not you see a change forthcoming in the industry.
