Chapter 8: Problem 36

Which one of these is the most accurate statement that can be made about the issue of buying a product that is made with sweatshop labor? (LO7) a) All products made with sweatshop labor should be boycotted. b) Everyone should be encouraged to buy products made with sweatshop labor. c) Virtually all the goods we import are made with sweatshop labor. d) Although wages in sweatshops are very low, they are generally higher than workers could earn in other jobs.

Short Answer

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Although wages in sweatshops are very low, they are generally higher than workers could earn in other jobs. This statement (d) is the most accurate because it presents a balanced and nuanced perspective on the issue, acknowledging both the ethical concerns and the economic realities faced by many workers.

Step by step solution

Understanding Sweatshop Labor

To make the most accurate statement, you must grasp the idea of sweatshop labor. Sweatshop labor refers to a workplace, especially in the clothing industry, where workers are employed at very low wages for long hours, and under poor conditions. If this looks familiar, then you are ready to examine the given statements systematically.

Evaluate Statement a)

Statement a suggests boycotting all products made with sweatshop labor. While this might resonate with ethical considerations, it is important to note that not all sweatshop laborers have other job opportunities. A blanket boycott could negatively impact those with no alternate livelihoods. It is a complex issue that cannot easily be solved with a broad boycott.

Evaluate Statement b)

Statement b suggests encouraging everyone to buy products made with sweatshop labor. This standpoint disregards the human rights violations and poor working conditions often linked to sweatshops. Encouraging purchases may contribute to perpetuating these conditions. Thus, it's hard to consider it as the most accurate statement.

Evaluate Statement c)

Statement c states that virtually all the goods we import are made with sweatshop labor. Even though sweatshop labor is a real issue, it is a generalization to claim that virtually all imported goods are made using sweatshop labor. Imported goods come from a multitude of sources, not all of which employ sweatshop labor.

Evaluate Statement d)

The last statement, d, mentions that wages in sweatshops are very low, but they are generally higher than workers could earn in other jobs. This statement attempts to shed light on the complexity of the issue: although working conditions in sweatshops are poor, they represent a means of livelihood for many people. This is likely the most accurate statement as it presents a balanced and nuanced perspective.

Determining the Most Accurate Statement

After scrutinizing each option, it seems that statement d) is the most accurate. It offers a more holistic regard of the issue, recognizing the ethical predicament without neglecting the economic reality many face. These sorts of questions require not only an understanding of the terms and the topic but also careful thought and nuance.