Why do you think labor standards and working conditions are lower in the low- income countries of the world than in countries like the United States?

Countries with lower income usually have a lower GDP per capita, which means that their economy is not as strong as that of higher-income countries like the United States. This results in a higher unemployment rate and less resources available for improving working conditions. Since there is a high supply of labor and limited job opportunities, employers have the upper hand and can offer lower wages and provide inadequate working conditions, knowing that workers might not have alternatives.

Low-income countries often do not have well-established and enforced labor laws and regulations. This means that workers' rights might not be adequately protected, and employers might exploit them. In contrast, countries like the United States have strict labor laws that protect workers' rights and ensure proper working conditions, such as minimum wage laws, health and safety regulations, and anti-discrimination policies.

In low-income countries, the general population often has lower levels of education and skill sets compared to countries like the United States. This results in a large labor force with less specialized skills, making it harder for individuals to find higher-paying jobs with better working conditions. On the other hand, countries with higher education levels and more specialized skills have a higher demand for such labor, leading to better working conditions and labor standards.

Infrastructure and resources play a critical role in providing suitable working conditions. Low-income countries often lack the resources and infrastructure to provide adequate working conditions like clean water, reliable electricity, and safe transportation. This results in poorer working conditions overall for workers in these countries.

In countries like the United States, there is often more public awareness and activism on issues related to labor standards and working conditions. Citizens and workers are more likely to advocate for better working conditions and hold companies accountable for their practices in high-income countries. However, in low-income countries, there might be less awareness and advocacy, potentially due to factors such as lower education levels, lack of access to information, and limited resources for activism. In conclusion, the combination of economic factors, labor laws and regulations, education and skills, infrastructure and resources, and public awareness contribute to lower labor standards and working conditions in low-income countries compared to countries like the United States.