Globalization, Factory Work, and the Feminization of Labor

Globalization

• Globalization is about the interconnectedness of various areas of the world through the flow of capital, goods, ideas, religions, media representations, and people (migration).

• The flow is not one-way (e.g., from West to the rest of the world), but multidimensional.

Globalization is not new….

But, the pace of globalization has increased since WWII

Some of the causes:• Ease and cheapness of

international communication technologies

• Ease and cheapness of transferring money

• Cheap transportation (airfare, the price of oil, container ships, the mechanization of docks)

• Free trade, particularly the reduction of import taxes and other duties (US in particular an advocate)

• Companies are in competition with each globally and want to reduce costs. One of their major costs is labor.

Factory work has moved to countries other than those where its products are bought….

(a pessimist might say it was the first to move)

• Electronics and textiles• Workers are

overwhelmingly young women workers who are recent urban migrants

• Question by Noelle Krevetski

• Bangladesh fire• Use of subcontractors• A very important issue to

study: what is it like for the workers?

How does Globalization affect Workers’ Powers in Labor Relations?

• Questions by Abhi Ajit, Kathryn Suttle, Laura Horn

The state’s role in regulating workers’ rights and working conditions

• minimum wage• safety standards (for buildings, machinery)• workers’ social safety net (maternity and family

leave, health insurance, unemployment compensation)

• unions and union organizing• import duties and taxes on company profits• often states see themselves as in competition

with each another and thus reduce regulation and taxes on companies.

Are working girls in Morocco empowered by their work?

Yes: No: