The danger of sweatshops in fashion industry
International Journal of Development Research
The danger of sweatshops in fashion industry
Received 27th January, 2023; Received in revised form 11th February, 2023; Accepted 18th February, 2023; Published online 30th March, 2023
Copyright©2023, Dr. Rakshita M Allapanavar et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Sweatshops are commonly associated with the fast fashion industry due to its reliance on exploitative labor practices in order to produce clothing quickly and inexpensively. Workers in these sweatshops often work in hazardous and unsanitary conditions, receive low wages, and may be subject to verbal or physical abuse. H&M and Forever 21, among other fast fashion retailers, have faced criticism for their use of sweatshops, and consumers are advocating for greater transparency and accountability in the industry to ensure ethical treatment of workers. As a way to cut costs, many of these businesses outsource production to unregistered vendors who are not bound by labor laws. Consequently, there is no obligation for these brands to ensure that the workers in their supply chain have safe working conditions. Sweatshops are not a new development and have been highlighted in the media for many years. The fast fashion industry has been complicit in a system that prioritizes maximizing profits by paying workers wages below subsistence levels. This business model centers on selling vast quantities of clothing at unsustainable prices, which has resulted in diminishing returns for those who actually manufacture the garments. The term "fast" in fast fashion pertains to the swift transformation of fashion trends from runway shows to retail stores. Numerous fashion brands produce a high volume of new designs each year and expedite their manufacturing process to meet the rapidly changing consumer demands. The concept of fast fashion industry is centered on the notion of regularly renewing our appearance due to the constant influx of new trends to buy. However, beneath the surface appeal of this approach lies a significant concealed expense associated with the process. The fashion industry holds great global significance in terms of its economic contribution and employment opportunities. However, its unfavorable influence on the environment and poverty through unsustainable practices is equally notable. The emergence of fast or "throwaway" fashion has further aggravated the trend of selling low-cost clothing designed for only a few uses. Prominent brands like H&M, ASOS, and Zara have benefited from this trend. Despite growing concerns among young consumers about sustainability, this mindset does not seem to reflect in their fashion preferences. The global impact of the fashion industry is substantial due to its economic contribution and employment opportunities. However, the industry's unsustainable practices have resulted in significant harm to the environment and contributed to worldwide poverty. The problem of selling large volumes of cheap clothes designed for limited use has been compounded by the rise of fast or "throwaway" fashion. In terms of effecting change, the most crucial role for us as consumers is to alter our habits. The tendency to constantly stay up-to-date with the latest trends often leads us to purchase numerous new items that we barely wear. To be stylish in an eco-friendly manner, it is crucial to adopt a slower approach. This entails spending more time searching for unique second-hand items or purchasing high-quality, classic clothing that won't lose its charm over time.