We look at sweatshops as a primitive means to mass-producing garments and other goods for cheap. From the perspective of a developed country, we have always believed that conditions are poor, wages are considerably lower than ours, and there is no possible way a country could benefit from resorting to these sweatshops.
Our country's organizations, as well as others have put massive efforts into putting an end to the use of sweatshops in Third World countries, yet we do not seem to realize the effect that would have on our country.
The United States has become a country of consumerism; there are very few goods that we are known for producing, because it is cheaper to get them imported from the same countries who turn to sweatshops to make these goods. Therefore, it is hypocritical to criticize these countries when we use these goods.
While the conditions for these sweatshops may be questionable, they also vary from country to country. The truth is these jobs are what circulate revenue and keep their economy afloat. In countries such as Bangladesh, their garment industry alone employs nearly three-and-a-half million people and operates more than 4,800 factories. Together, they account for more than 80 percent of the country's revenue.
Our country is currently in a recession. If we were able to employ millions of people and generate that kind of revenue, our country would benefit immensely. We therefore need to re-evaluate what sweatshops might mean to most Americans by realizing what they provide. Providing jobs that circulate revenue for our own country is a very important thing to consider.