In the international ethical issues lecture, I identified the child labor issue as an example. We explored the standards that America has set through the Fair Labor Standards Act. We also saw the reaction that our society has had, at least at times, to this issue. To the extent it can, the US Department of Labor tracks foreign goods that are made using child labor. Here is the most recent report (2020), with the list beginning on page 20.
Report - 2020_TVPRA_List_Online_Final- I have attached to order
One well-documented example is the use of children in sweatshops to make clothing sold in America. This is an issue that has come and gone from society's focus since the 1990s. A few years ago, John Oliver highlighted this issue on his HBO show. Here is a link (Links to an external site.) to his segment. Please watch his segment.
Link - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdLf4fihP78
As a warning, the segment has a comical focus at times and uses some inappropriate language. Despite the comical nature, John Oliver persuasively highlights the case against sweatshops. Ian Maitland also examines the positions against sweatshops in his article on pp. 584-596 in the Donaldson and Werhane textbook. However, some people have advocated in favor of these sweatshops, arguing that these so-called sweat shops create advantages for the developing nation. For example, Jeffrey D. Sachs, a well-known developmental economist who has focused his research on the economics of third world developing nations, has observed a different perspective on the issue of child labor: ''My concern is not that there are too many sweatshops but that there are too few." (Here is a link to the New York Times article with this quote.)
Link to New York time article is attached to order. In Principle, a Case For More 'Sweatshops
Dr. Sachs is not alone. Others have also advocated for a different perspective on child labor. Here is a collection of some of those articles Download articles.
Article download is attached to order . In Praise of cheap Labor
After reviewing John Oliver's video, Maitland's article, and the attached collection of articles, please write a two-page essay advocating either for or against the use of child labor in the clothing industry. Answer how, in your opinion, American companies should resolve this international ethical issue. Feel free to do any additional research or exploration on this issue. If you cite any other source, please include the link to that source with your essay.
Sample Solution