In the clothes making industry, who is really the fashion victim Essay Example

goods like computers, machinery, or vehicles. As such, MEDC countries tend to dominate these markets and charge high prices, leading LEDCs into debt.

MEDCs reap benefits while LEDCs' economies suffer, resulting in a persistent cycle of debt accumulation for the latter. Bangladesh was once a prominent clothing producer but has been surpassed by other countries, much like Leicester. In Leicester, workers have transitioned into becoming consumers who are often exploited by middlemen driving up clothing prices. This exploitation affects not only workers but also customers as LEDC factory workers earn less than $6 per week (with potential deductions) while clothing is sold for $30 each to increase company profits at the expense of its workforce.

Despite claims by companies such as Gap and Nike that they are "child labour free" and free of "sweatshops", evidence has shown that children under fifteen work long hours in some of their factories. This false advertising exploits customer rights and must be addressed by these industry leaders who cannot simply blame fashion trends. It is their responsibility to improve factory conditions and pay, even if it means facing a strike in MEDC countries. As consumers become more conscious of child labor issues, they seek not only affordable clothing but also ethical options. Thus, Gap and Nike must strive to sell more ethical clothing.

Gap, a multi-billion dollar global fashion company, acknowledged in May 2007 the possible use of child labor in the creation of a line of children's clothing in India. Impoverished parents are deceived into selling their children for a few dollars, with the false assurance that they will be well looked after and will return their earnings. Gap's factory

may be the source of these practices, but it is the children who are the true victims, with over 215 million child laborers worldwide, according to the International Labor Organization. The fashion industry is not alone in this issue; other sectors also use child labor. In conclusion, there are more victims of fashion than is commonly understood.

The repercussions of fashion are felt by all mentioned above: either because of the pressure of following it, the adverse conditions in which it is produced, or because they used to be involved in its creation before it went elsewhere. The countries that suffer the most due to this phenomenon are the ones that are left behind. Consumers prioritize affordability, even if that means shifting their manufacturing from Pakistan to Bangladesh, resulting in declining economies and limited job opportunities for women. In Leicester, people may not be poverty-stricken but they aren't swimming in riches either. The fashion industry is cutthroat and neglects the impact on those who become leftover when production moves elsewhere. While consumers are becoming more aware of ethical concerns, it will take a considerable amount of time before they think about the consequences for those who manufacture our clothes when production changes countries.