Nike Sweatshops Resistant to Change

As one of the largest supplier of athletic wear, Nike produces its products in many third world countries. Many people and advocates have tried to stop the buildup of these sweatshops in these countries and even trying to change the working conditions inside these buildings. The reality is, this hasn't slowed Nike's production or even put a mere dent in the profits they are reeling in. Many citizens of these poor countries are non-whites and do not have the many privileges those in the West have acquired. This makes it hard for these people in these poor countries to make a living and provide for their families. This brings Nike's perspective more clear on their resistant to change. For those working in these large factories it is a better alternative than to the other options they could choose to work.

Many poor Africans have few opportunities when it comes to getting a job that is able to satisfy the needs of their family. Sweatshops provide a more appealing choice where the labor is not so backbreaking such as laborers on construction sites. Alternative jobs are often worse than working in sweatshops and don’t support a more consistent stay. Some economists agree that women working in sweatshops in Indonesia can make up to five times more than in the subsistence agricultural market. This makes it easier for sweatshops to find workers in these countries and there are always people lining up.

Sweatshops may be seemingly slightly better than the opportunities many in third world countries could obtain, however, the wages and working conditions are not even close to specifications those hold in first world countries. Another negative aspect sweatshops impose is the people they hire within their factories. A study was shown that 60% of Honduran sweatshop workers were previously employed before taking a position at one of these factories. Many were not too destitute and also were more educated than the rest of the population looking for jobs.

Sweatshops may have proven to not help those third world citizens get out of poverty. With few options of work and sweatshops the only opportunity, combined with no regulation of working conditions, leads to worker abuse. Those poor citizens are willing to do anything for work and a low salary working indoors is enticing. In order to combat this problem, organizations need to be put into place and regulations enforced. Sweatshops will still show resistant to change unless action and a global code is put into place. As long as multinational corporations are able to set up these factories in third world countries and have a surplus of worker demand then the conditions will continue to remain the same hardships will be faced by many citizens of these countries.

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Reference: http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-24377425_ITM