For FASH455 students: Please share your reflections on the video. For example, how does the video illustrate the global nature of the textile and apparel industry today? How can we understand the impact of globalization on the many stakeholders involved in the textile and apparel supply chains? Do the textile and apparel trade patterns described in the video support or challenge the trade theories we discussed in class? According to the video, what are the debates and controversies related to apparel sourcing and trade? What is your view and proposed solutions?
FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 
The video shines a light on the reality behind the clothing we put on our body. The selected clothing item for this video, a t-shirt, I believe was an intentional selection. There is nothing “fancy” about a regular t-shirt, and yet the process, the supply chain, and effort taken to create this relatively simple product, is no small feat. From cultivating cotton seeds, to growing the cotton, to the cutting and sewing, globalization has taken a supply chain that requires many steps and a variety of different skills, and allowed the process to spread out. This specialization allows each group of people or country to focus on one part of the process, so they can do it most efficiently.
The trade patterns described in this video support the Factor Proportion Theory, which in short, means that “owners of capital will gain, and owners of labor will lose” (FASH455 Reading Course Material, 2023). Originally, I thought the video aligned with the comparative advantage theory. This theory says that countries will focus on its relatively bigger absolute advantage (or relatively smaller absolute disadvantage). Comparative advantage explains why, despite the US having the absolute advantage in all areas of production, Bangladesh still focuses on producing clothing. I think that there is something lacking in this trade theory explanation, and it is the “why”. Why does the US have an absolute advantage over Bangladesh in everything? This is where Factor Proportion theory explains the phenomenon better. In the video we see that Bangladesh is clearly lacking capital, but not labor. In this theory, we see that owners of capital (the US) are the winners of trade, and owners of labor (Bangladesh) are the losers.
One debate over sourcing and trade that was briefly mentioned was genetically modified cotton. Your stance on this topic will largely depend on the perspective you are taking. If you are a cotton farmer, you would probably favor growing genetically modified cotton, as it is easier to grow and more resistant to pesticides. These pesticides and chemicals, however, are harmful to people and our planet. Some believe that growing genetically modified cotton supports an unsustainable production cycle and needs to be eliminated.
Another debate that was proposed is whether or not our t-shirt (the apparel we wear) are providing opportunities for people like the women in Bangladesh, or if we are taking advantage of them. I believe that eliminating production of clothing in Bangladesh would not be the answer. From the comparative advantage, we see that clothing is one of the only ways that individuals in Bangladesh can work and try to survive, eliminating this would be eliminating their highest advantage. Rather than eliminating, I believe that one solution would be to begin educating these women. If we could allow factories to have an area where workers could go to learn for a few days, then they would finally get access to education they have never had before. I believe that it is through education and a collective effort that will allow for true economic development of Bangladesh.
I love your point on educating women in countries like Bangladesh, so they can pursue other careers beyond the garment factories. This would in turn improve the economy, like you said. While it might improve the pricing of the products sold in the United States, it would be worth it to protect these workers from things like factory collapses. And if we teach American consumers to buy less, even better!
Excellent comment! As you mentioned, the apparel industry plays a uniquely critical role in supporting job creation, poverty reduction, and economic growth in Bangladesh as a developing country. The working conditions there are far from ideal, but the trade-led growth model provides an opportunity to gradually improve the situation. Hopefully, one day Bangladesh won’t have to solely rely on garment manufacturing and will have the chance to move up the value chain by producing more value-added products.”
The video highlights multiple aspects of the garment industry and all who are involved in the process. We see countries like Colombia, where one can imagine a life beyond the factory. And then we see a country like Bangladesh where life IS the garment inustry for many women. These women work long hours for low wages with the goal to pay a debt, have more food, and overall survive. These workers live in poor conditions where factories collapse, taking lives. We also see a cotton farm in the United States, the making of yarn in Colombia with primarily machinery, yarn to fabric in Bangladesh, again with machinery, and then sewing in both countries, then shipping back to the U.S. The video supports what we have discussed in class with trade decreasing the global poverty rate. When discussing Bangladesh and the poor conditions for factory workers, both activists and factory owners agree the worst thing would be to take away garment production altogether, because it does present opportunities, even though the risks are great. Activists however, push for greater restrictions and more to be done to improve the lives of workers in struggling economies. I agree with he activists, as fair trade is worth the extra cost of a T-shirt. Preventing loss of lives in another factory collapse is worth the money. And hey, if consumers buy less, we would be doing a favor for the environment. There should be regulation on U.S. companies who outsource their manufacturing. These should be to provide fair wages based on the local economy, as well as ensuring the labor standards applied in the U.S. factories, are carried across the globe.
Excellent point! Your comment reminds me of the video we watched today in the class—garment workers were not necessarily against overtime work because it could help them earn extra income. Likewise, while we focused a lot on the textile waste problem here in the US, garment workers in countries like Bangladesh are eager to expand more production and secure more sourcing orders (https://www.thedailystar.net/business/global-economy/news/can-bangladesh-overtake-china-be-eus-biggest-apparel-source-3227916). Again, textile and apparel is intriguing, with far-reaching impacts on various economic, social, and political aspects.
What I walked away with from this video was how it really highlights the true dichotomy of globalization on our economies, and its stakeholders.
For instance on one side my initial perception of globalization’s undeniable advantages to the industry were highly reinforced by this video. As I watched the many technological resources, and locations of services just showed how globalization has really opened the door for the textile and apparel industry. Economies that may lack in infrastructure still have a place within the industry due to labor amounts, a characteristic they would not benefit if the industry did not participate in global supply chains and sourcing. The industry has truly benefitted everyone individually by displaying overall growth, connection, and advancements in domestic economies. It has provided many job opportunities and economic freedom for many developing or developed countries.
Yet oppositely the focus of globalization concerns me. With the textile industry we seem to have exploited globalization. We have lost focus on the benefiting and advantageous factors of globalization in trade for company monetization and efficiency. In the video we see examples of Bangladesh factory workers who do not receive money compensation, safe working conditions, and healthy work expectations, aspects that many western or stable economies simply take for granted. Another discussion post made me realize we focus too much of efficiency verse preservation and safety within the global industry.
Truly within the industry we seem to approach globalization with an end product mind set. We see a “made in china” tag and do not ask questions of who else may have been involved, what it took to arrive in China, or what it took to make that product in China? As consumers and corporate company employees we nearly see a finished product and forget the rest.
Rana Plaza is a prime example, and most influential, of how globalization truly effects every-stake holder involved in the textile and apparel supply chains and why we need to start asking ourselves those questions.
Globalization, though it offers many benefits it also leaves much room for error and fault. In a global supply chain to benefit everyone we much pay attention to the details.
Great reflection! Your comment reminds us of the ongoing debate on globalization’s impacts and whether the government should be more actively involved in regulating globalization. Take the protest in Bangladesh for example: https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231103-bangladesh-protests-halt-production-for-top-fashion-brands-union-1 Was the incident caused by globalization or only globalization can offer resources to help developing countries like Bangladesh to build its economy and eventually protect workers better (and bring them more welfare).
Here are my six thoughts on “Video Discussion: The Global Travels of a T-Shirt.” My first thought is that although a basic, plain T-shirt may seem like a pretty simple concept, there is absolutely nothing ordinary about it. There is an entire world behind every garment produced, making even just a generic t-shirt special. The average person does not comprehend this especially if the garment is sold at a low cost and with very little uniqueness to its design. My second thought I noticed was how genetically modified our clothes truly are. I wonder how our clothes will evolve shortly, considering we just entered this digital era not too long ago. The video mentions a third-generation cotton farmer, Bowen Flowers, who explains how farmers used to harvest cotton using slave labor, but now solely rely on technology to do the job. By using technology instead of forced labor, we can produce more at a lower cost, and of course, be ethical. However, in exchange, the cotton produced is extremely genetically modified. The farmers state that they do so to make it more pest-resistant and tolerant of herbicides. My third thought was how serious and devastating the collapse of Rana Plaza was, and how influential it became within the fashion industry. As we know, globalization affects every part of the textile and apparel supply chain. Since the collapse, factories worldwide have made it a greater point to adhere to building regulations and guidelines. Without the collapse of the Rana Plaza, would there have been stricter regulations today to fight for workers’ rights? My fourth thought was based on the difference in wages among women who are factory workers. The video mentioned how Jasmine, a factory worker in Bangladesh, is paid four times less than Doris, a factory worker in Colombia. However, the apparel industry plays such an important role in supporting jobs, reducing poverty, and overall economic growth within countries like Bangladesh, and although Jasmine’s working conditions are not perfect, there is room for improvement within the garment industry due to the trade-led growth model. My fifth thought branches off of my previous thought, but more so understanding how even economies that are not as established, still have a place within the fashion industry. The amount of jobs that are provided within factories has made for economic growth and advancement in certain countries, creating job opportunities for many. My final thought addresses what normal consumers see when they look at the tag of their garments that read “Made In China.” Before taking this course, I would see that tag and believe that the garment was SOLELY made in China, yet, that is far from the truth. I would not have asked myself any questions about whether other countries were involved, what type of labor was used to make this garment, etc. From a consumer perspective, I think it is important to understand the textile and apparel unique supply chain to accurately give credit to all of the countries that played a part in the creation of the garment.
Indeed, the garment industry remains one of the most critical tools for economic development in many developing countries around the world. In FASH455, we don’t just discuss the financial aspects of apparel trade and sourcing, such as how to use trade agreements to reduce sourcing costs. I also very much hope students can better understand the broader impact of the sector on the lives and destinies of many people throughout the global apparel supply chain.
Hi Jasmine. I liked how you made a point to recognize the benefits of producing in Bangladesh for women like Jasmine who are provided opportunities and overall economic growth within the country because I think that is one reason the global textile and apparel industry is so important. However, due to the safety risks and wage disparity in Bangladesh, do you think it is more important to support countries like Columbia, who have more ethical production practices until Bangladesh resolves their working conditions, or do you think we need to remain sourcing from Bangladesh to support their economy and help them make improvements?
The video, “The Global Travels of a T-shirt,” vividly illustrates the intricate dynamics of the global textile and apparel industry, emphasizing the impact of globalization on its various stakeholders. The historical context of the United States’ cotton production, rooted in slave labor, challenges the simplistic assumptions of the factor proportion theory, highlighting the painful legacy that propelled the industry’s growth. The wage disparities exemplified by Jasmine in Bangladesh and Doris in Colombia raise questions about social justice and fairness, challenging the notion of equitable trade. The Rana Plaza Collapse serves as a stark reminder of the ethical dimensions within the industry, urging a collective effort to improve the lives of workers. The video reveals how globalization has both created diverse job opportunities worldwide and intensified competition, leading to wage pressures and challenging working conditions. As someone aspiring to work in the garment industry as a business leader, I recognize the responsibility to shape a better future, addressing the inequalities and ethical concerns prevalent in the global supply chain. This reflection underscores the need for a comprehensive approach that considers historical injustices, socio-economic factors, and ethical labor practices in navigating the complexities of the textile and apparel industry within a globalized context.
The film “The Global Travels of a T-shirt” highlights how globalization affects its different stakeholders while eloquently illuminating the complex dynamics of the global textile and clothing business. The historical background of cotton production in the United States, which is based on the use of slave labor, casts doubt on the oversimplified presumptions of the factor proportion theory and brings to light the tragic legacy that drove the industry’s expansion. The idea of equitable commerce is called into question by the salary differences between Jasmine in Bangladesh and Doris in Colombia, which cast doubt on social justice and fairness. The collapse of the Rana Plaza serves as a sobering reminder of the moral implications of the sector and calls for a concerted effort to enhance the lives of workers. The film illustrates how globalization has increased competitiveness, which has led to wage pressure and difficult working conditions, while also creating a variety of job options around the globe. As someone who hopes to become a business leader in the apparel sector, I understand that it is my duty to address the ethical issues and disparities that are present in the global supply chain in order to create a better future. This analysis emphasizes the necessity of a thorough strategy that takes into account socioeconomic variables, historical injustices, and moral work practices while negotiating the intricacies of the textile and clothing industries in a globalized setting.
This video truly highlighted all of the factors that go into creating a t-shirt, and did so in an entertaining way. I think that it is important to educate people on how these products are made, because oftentimes, many people are unaware of the full process. I also thought it was important for them to include the tragedy of the Rana Plaza Collapse. This was a horrifying yet impactful incident, because it made many people more aware of the terrors occurring in these garment factories. These people are suffering every day, just so that they can afford to live. More awareness needs to be made (not just about Bangladesh, about other factories in the same conditions) so that these people can work in better conditions and not suffer any longer.
This video highlighted the travels of a t-shirt from its origin to the finished product. This video also highlighted the lives of garment workers and the disparity between them based on the country they live in. The video followed one worker from Bangladesh and one worker from Colombia. The worker from Bangladesh makes one of the lowest wages in the world, and her position is regarded as a top position in her country. The worker from Colombia also makes a low wage, but their wage is significantly higher compared to the wage of the worker from Bangladesh. The conditions in these factories are typically unsafe and the factories are not inspected for safety concerns in many cases. These workers put their lives on the line daily in order to make clothing for others. This video opened my eyes up to the dangers and the ugly side of the fashion industry.
The United States’ consistent position as the world’s leading cotton producer and exporter aligns with the factor proportion trade theory. With abundant resources and a capital advantage, the U.S. produces significant cotton quantities for trading in manufacturing. This highlights the capital factor advantage, as the U.S. lacks a labor advantage compared to other nations.
In the textile industry, economic and political factors profoundly influence garment operations and production. Countries producing and trading garments, often economically below the poverty line, rely on the industry for employment. Political dynamics impact a country’s economy, trade laws, and prices within the supply chain. In places like Bangladesh, society revolves around the garment industry.
Globalization significantly shapes career opportunities in the apparel industry, particularly in roles like buying and merchandising. Working within the global supply chain is crucial, as everything produced is part of globalization. Career prospects hinge on the efficient functioning of the global supply chain.
When we wake up in the morning and choose what outfit to wear, the most pressing question on our minds is often “will this top go with that skirt?” rather than “how did this particular item of clothing come to be in my hands right now?” The most basic of clothing items, a printed t-shirt, has an extraordinary life, spanning multiple continents, many hands, hours upon hours of manufacturing time and touches the lives of people who couldn’t lead more different existences. What brings everything together is that every step serves the manufacturing process of a t-shirt which will be sold to someone like us, someone who most likely won’t stop and think about all it took to arrive in their closet. Videos like this one are incredibly interesting as they provide a glimpse at how globalization affects people on an individual scale, allowing them to share their stories on how the global fashion industry impacts their lives. We discussed that many garment workers are women, trying to make a living to support themselves and their families. Both garment workers are women doing just that, although one has it easier than the other. Globalization allows for the t-shirt’s cotton to be grown in the United States but shipped overseas to be processed into yarn and sewn into fabric with minimal interference. Those machines are able to transform raw cotton into finished fabric in a fraction of the time it would have taken a century ago thanks to innovation in technology (a byproduct of globalization). The fabric is cut into pattern pieces and sewn together in 2 other countries (who have been able to take advantage of globalization to increase their standing on the world’s stage.) before being sent back to the United States, once again, with minimal interference. Globalization is responsible for much good in the world but still, controversies endure. Before 1994 even, a good percentage of clothing sold in the United States was made here. When the federal and state governments took action to prevent exploitation and ensure a more equitable working environment existed here, clothing manufacturers took the easy way out and moved production to countries where labor laws were much looser, therefore allowing them to pay lower wages and invest less in working conditions built to code. Some may argue that for example, the young woman in Bangladesh, the majority of clothing production being moved overseas gives her additional opportunities to provide for her family and move away from the traditional path for a girl in her community. one cannot ignore that she is drastically underpaid and sends most of her minimal wages to her parents to help ensure their continued survival. Is it fair to decide that some individuals are “worth less” than their counterparts who simply have the virtue of being fortunate to be born in a first-world country? I myself am willing to pay more money for my clothing if it means that the people who do the work making it are paid enough to live good and healthy lives and work in safe and secure conditions. The 2014 Rana Plaza collapse showed the world the horrific underbelly of the fashion industry and the lack of humanity some are willing to display all in the name of additional profit. Globally, we need to come together and pass stricter regulations that will ensure the continued protection of all people in their workplaces and hold companies who prioritize money over human life accountable. There is a middle ground that helps safeguard garment jobs for vulnerable populations without requiring them to place their lives up as a potential sacrifice. There is still much work to do but the fact that so many more people are aware of disparities such as these proves that there is hope for positive change. Globalization has two sides and it is our duty to do our part to reduce the impact of that darker side for the sake of us all.
The international nature of the textile and apparel industry is made visually apparent within the video, “The Global Travels of a T-Shirt,” as it illuminates the behind-the-scenes complexities that garments undergo in order to be produced. The deliberate selection of the seemingly ordinary t-shirt as the focal point underscores the deliberate choice for exploration. Despite its simplistic appearance, the production of a ‘basic’ top is a monumental endeavor, characterized by a complex supply chain. From cultivating cotton seeds to precise cutting and sewing, globalization has fostered a collaborative and specialized network within the supply chain. Each phase of this process demands extensive coordination and the expertise of skilled individuals, maximizing both efficiency and proficiency. This decentralized model allows stakeholders across various regions to specialize in specific tasks, ensuring optimal execution at each stage.
The video illustrates the global nature of the textile and apparel industry by following the journey of the production of a single shirt through every single step of the supply chain process. From multiple states and countries to various forms of transportation and diverse manufacturing processes, the shirt’s course showcases all the economies and cultures that the textile industry is exposed to. Additionally, you can see the impact of globalization on the supply chain as the video highlights the shift from manual labor to automation, showcasing how machinery and robotics have replaced many traditional tasks that previously relied on physical labor. While this development can improve efficiency and reduce costs for companies, it also raises concerns about the welfare of all involved. The video also showcased the individual workers and their living conditions, working environments and wages. This was eye opening as the juxtaposition truly reveals the impact of globalization as there are both positives and negatives. For instance, while globalization may increase efficiency and costs, it can also worsen inequalities and conditions for workers from technology and cheaper labor.