Worker exploitation in garment manufacturing: ascertaining its causes

One of the more conspicuous developments of globalization is the increasingly international nature of supply chains. Outsourcing production to developing countries has thus become a well-established and preferred strategy for many leading brands.

Global supply chains offer various benefits. Greater efficiency, lower costs and additional opportunities are among the potential advantages outsourcing firms can secure. There is also its contribution to national economic development and role in enabling currency flow.

Any good news stops there though. Media and public alike remain highly critical about the extent of worker exploitation that persists. That such exploitation occurs within developed nations illustrates the...