Modern World History Capstone 2017- Dahlberg: Sweatshops

A sweatshop is a factory or workshop in which employees work long hours, often under adverse conditions, for low wages. Often, illegal immigrants and children are exploited in sweatshops. Sweatshops exist in the garment industry as well as in industries that manufacture shoes, toys, electronics and other consumer goods. During the early twentieth century, sweatshops were especially common in the garment industry and were heavily comprised of an immigrant, female workforce, since women would work for lower pay than men. In the United States, the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City in 1911 called attention to the dangers of sweatshop conditions, leading to reforms. However, sweatshops continue to exist in the U.S. and--in today's global economy--are especially prevalent in developing countries. Workers in sweatshops are often forbidden to speak out about their condition and are prevented from forming unions. Proponents of sweatshops argue that these types of workplaces help raise overall living standards in developing countries. They also contend that sweatshop jobs are better than no work at all for people living in poor conditions. Opponents say sweatshops exploit workers and disregard human rights. Critics also argue that multinational corporations have been worsening conditions for workers by engaging in a race to the bottom, in which they move from country to country in search of the lowest wages.

Taken from "Sweatshops" SIRS Issues Researcher (Database Topic Page)