Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León
Facultad de Ciencias Políticas y Relaciones
Internacionales
Social Science Research. “sweatshops”
Evidence 1: Problem statement
Teacher: Osvaldo Guerrero Guerra.
Group: BM2
Members:
2225626 CABALLERO HERNANDEZ ANDRES
2151921 MARROQUÍN ARÁMBULA ANDY
2078003 LEYVA ORDUÑO JULIO CÉSAR
2225524 HERNANDEZ LOBATO FRANCO
2225588 LOPEZ CADENA JENIFER
Date: March 02, 2025.
Objectives :
1. Analize the implications ethically and economically of the sweatshops
2. Benefits and consequences of the sweatshops
3. Relate and compare situations that correlate in the past to the present day
Questions:
1. What are the physical and economic implications of the sweatshops?
2. What are the benefits and consequences of the sweatshops?
3. What are the similarities and differences between the sweatshops from the
past to the present day?
Justification:
Sweatshops are widely recognized as exploitative workplaces that compromise the
rights and well-being of millions of laborers worldwide. By definition, these facilities are
characterized by extremely low wages, excessively long working hours, and hazardous
conditions in an environment that stems from global economic pressures, weak labor
regulations, and a prevailing demand for low-cost consumer goods. Despite increasing
international attention and various corporate social responsibility initiatives, the
prevalence of sweatshops continues to be a pressing concern, especially in developing
countries where oversight is limited and opportunities for more equitable employment
remain scarce.
Since their emergence during the early stages of mass industrialization, sweatshops
have evolved alongside global supply chains, adapting to the market’s unrelenting push
for efficiency and profit. This means that even as awareness of these practices grows,
new factories continually appear in regions where labor is cheapest and legal
frameworks are weakest. Workers in these establishments often lack basic protections
such as health insurance, paid leave, and safe working environments, exposing them
to both immediate physical risks and long-term socioeconomic barriers. Moreover, the
situation is frequently exacerbated by corruption and a lack of regulatory enforcement,
making it difficult to hold businesses accountable.
Beyond the factories themselves, the persistence of sweatshops highlights broader
inequities within global trade. As Davis points out, the notion of “choice” in accepting
sweatshop employment is questionable, given that many workers face stark economic
realities with minimal alternatives. This underscores the importance of critically
examining the structures that perpetuate exploitative conditions and acknowledging
the systemic forces ranging from international trade policies to consumer behavior that
sustain sweatshops’ existence. The continued study of this topic is vital to identifying
realistic pathways for reform, such as fair trade agreements, improved transparency in
supply chains, and more robust labor laws.
The present research underscores the importance of ensuring dignified and fair labor
conditions for all, without any type of discrimination. It stands for a global economy
where everyone’s work is valued, and no individual is forced to endure unsafe or
exploitative conditions for the sake of cheap production costs. It is under these guiding
principles that the ongoing issues with sweatshops, as well as other labor-related
concerns, will be more effectively addressed ultimately paving the way for equitable
economic development that benefits both workers and industry alike.
Problem Statement:
The textile and apparel industry in Mexico plays a pivotal role in the nation's economy,
contributing approximately 25% to the national GDP in 2023. However, this sector is
marred by significant challenges, notably the overexploitation of workers and the
prevalence of sweatshop-like conditions.
A 2024 report by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre highlights that Mexico's
apparel industry is plagued by poor working conditions. Workers face precarious
wages, lack of social security, long working hours, and unsanitary environments. The
workforce, predominantly female, often encounters systemic discrimination and
gender-based violence. The industry's complex and fragmented supply chain further
complicates traceability and accountability for these abuses.
The same report analyzed 18 major apparel companies operating in Mexico and found
a concerning lack of transparency and inadequate mechanisms to address human
rights impacts. Only three companies—H&M, Levi Strauss México, and El Puerto de
Liverpool—have publicly available human rights and responsible supply chain policies
applicable to all suppliers and partners. Furthermore, only three companies disclose
information about their supply chain beyond the first tier, indicating a significant gap in
supply chain transparency.
Industrial activities, including those in the textile sector, have severely polluted
Mexico's Atoyac River over the past two decades. This pollution has led to high rates of
chronic kidney diseases and other health issues among local populations. Despite
governmental promises to clean up the river, challenges persist, particularly in holding
multinational companies accountable for environmental degradation.
Investigations into factories like Hermosa Amazing Grace and Cone Denim in Morelos,
Mexico, reveal concerning labor practices. Workers at Hermosa Amazing Grace
reported extremely low wages, lack of transparency in wage calculations, poor working
conditions, and harassment by management when attempting to defend their rights. At
Cone Denim, workers faced challenges in exercising their rights to free association,
with reports of employer interference in union activities.
To address these pressing issues, several recommendations have been proposed:
For Apparel Companies:
• Adopt robust human rights policies applicable to all subcontractors and
suppliers.
• Align purchasing practices with human rights standards, including fair planning,
costing, and pricing.
• Publicly disclose comprehensive supplier lists beyond the first tier.
• Implement effective grievance mechanisms and commit to providing swift
remedies for human rights abuses.
• Commit to a just energy transition that respects the rights of workers and
communities.
For the Mexican Government:
• Develop and enforce national and sub-national human rights due diligence
policies and legislation.
• Implement measures to promote fair competition in the apparel sector.
• Ensure a just energy transition in the apparel sector through rigorous labor
inspections.
The textile industry in Nuevo León, México, has been a significant contributor to the
region's economy. However, this growth has come at a cost, with overexploitation and
sweatshop conditions becoming prevalent issues. Sweatshops are characterized by
poor working conditions, low wages, and long hours, often violating basic human rights.
These practices are not only unethical but also detrimental to the well-being of workers
and the overall social fabric of the region.
While detailed information on specific cases of sweatshop conditions in Nuevo León is
limited, Nuevo León has experienced some form of similar work environment in the
20th century, as an example, there was this child labour issue, where parents let their
children get menial jobs to make ends meet, this was a practice that back in the day
was really not frowned upon, but fortunately this gradually changed from the 2000’s, as
more strict laws on working conditions and children rights where implemented, and
while it is true that even nowadays we can still see some kids in the streets being
exploited by their own parents or the organized crime, this practice has certainly
declined drastically among the general population. The truth is, there have been reports
of such practices in the broader context of México's textile industry. For instance, an
article from NOISE MAG highlights the prevalence of sweatshops in México, where
workers are subjected to unfair wages and unsafe working conditions. And although the
article does not mention specific companies in Nuevo León, it provides a general
overview of the issue in the country.
One notable company in Nuevo León's textile industry is California Textil, which is
based in Monterrey. While there is no direct evidence linking California Textil to
sweatshop practices, the broader context of the textile industry in México suggests that
such conditions could exist.
Addressing the issue of overexploitation and sweatshops in Nuevo León's textile
industry requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes stricter enforcement of labor
laws, increased transparency in supply chains, and greater accountability for
companies operating in the region. By tackling these issues, it is possible to create a
more ethical and sustainable textile industry that benefits both workers and the
economy.
The issue of sweatshops in the textile industry represents a significant global challenge,
particularly in developing countries where weak labor laws and economic pressures
enable exploitative working conditions. This research focuses on labor rights violations,
economic dependence, and ethical concerns associated with sweatshops. The study
will explore historical, economic, and theoretical perspectives, critically analyzing their
role in global supply chains, international labor markets, and consumer responsibility.
The scope of this study is limited to the textile industry, as it is one of the primary
sectors where sweatshop labor is prevalent. The research will examine case studies,
theoretical frameworks, and policy proposals that address labor exploitation,
corporate social responsibility, and ethical consumerism. By focusing on economic
theories, such as comparative advantage and market-driven solutions, the study aims
to propose viable pathways toward sustainable labor practices without disregarding
the economic benefits that some argue sweatshops provide.
Mill, S. (2004). Utilitarianism. John Stuart Mill, The project Gutenberg e-book of
utilitarianism. The Project Gutenberg eBook of Utilitarianism, by John Stuart Mill.
Ricardo, D. (1821). Chapter 7: On foreign trade. David Ricardo, On the Principles of
Political Economy and Taxation Volume 3 (pp. 81-93). Econlib books.
Davis, R. (2022). The ethics of sweatshops and the limits of choice. Business Ethics
Quarterly, 32(4), 389–406. https://doi.org/10.1017/beq.2022.16
Morgan, A., & Powell, B. (2016). The morality and reality of sweatshops: Micro, meso,
and macro perspectives. Journal of Global Ethics, 2(3), 64–78.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/43695051
Earth.Org. (2023). Sweatshops: An overview. https://earth.org/sweatshops/
Bahena, Fran. (2021, January 12). Sweatshops en México: Una realidad alarmante.
NOISE MAG. Sweatshops en México – NOISE MAG
Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. (2023). Major apparel brands in Mexico
fail to address supply chain human rights risks. Recuperado de https://www.business-
humanrights.org/en/from-us/media-centre/major-apparel-brands-in-mexico-fail-to-
address-supply-chain-human-rights-risks/
Tuckman, J. (2024, 31 de octubre). 'You can't even wash your hands': is a global
industrial hub responsible for the destruction of Mexico's Atoyac River? The Guardian.
Recuperado de https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2024/oct/31/you-
cant-even-wash-your-hands-is-a-global-industrial-hub-responsible-for-the-
destruction-of-mexicos-atoyac-river
Maquila Solidarity Network. (2020, 18 de febrero). Report examines working
conditions in two garment factories in Morelos, Mexico. Recuperado de
https://www.maquilasolidarity.org/en/report-examines-working-conditions-two-
garment-factories-morelos-mexico
