PBSC The True Cost Movie Discussion

I’m working on a international economics discussion question and need an explanation and answer to help me learn.

#1 Watch the movie: The True Cost (Links to an external site.).

#2 Choose TWO of the following topics to discuss:

1. Why are clothing companies outsourcing labor to factories in the Global South? Do you think that so much production has been relocated there because of, or in spite of, the bad conditions that factory workers there face? What effect has outsourcing had on the manufacturing sector, jobs, and the Main Street economy in the US and other Western countries?

2. As demonstrated in the film, some economists argue that conditions in garment factories, bad as they may be, are better opportunities for workers in “developing” countries than they would have otherwise. After watching this film, do you buy this argument? Even if the argument is true, does that mean that conditions should not be improved? How are women’s rights particularly affected?

3. Given that labor and environmental laws are weaker in “developing” countries, are fast-fashion companies’ voluntary codes of conduct sufficient to improve working conditions in garment factories? If not, how can domestic and international law be changed to make this improvement?

4. The garment industry is the second-most polluting in the world. A significant amount of this pollution is the “disposable” clothing itself. Why is there so much waste? How does this waste affect the environment? How does the waste and acceleration of garment production contribute to climate change? What can be done to reduce waste, the garment industry’s effect on the climate and on the environment in general?

5. How can consumers affect change on this model? As experts posit in the film, consuming more can have a negative effect on your psyche. Can a change in your consumption habits improve your well-being? How can it improve the well-being of others?