When people hear the words “human trafficking,” most think of sexual exploitation as opposed to labor exploitation. However, forced labor accounts for an estimated 81% of total human trafficking cases (Human Rights First). One contributor to “forced labor” is fast fashion, which is defined as cheap, trendy clothing that transitions directly from the catwalk or celebrity culture to retail stores for consumer purchasing (Good on You). Its purpose is to get the newest styles on the market as quickly as possible so consumers will purchase them at the height of popularity (Good on You).
Human trafficking is characterized by the use of force, fraud, or coercion, and forced labor, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), is work performed involuntarily and with the threat of penalty (Dressember). Forced labor, therefore, automatically falls into the category of human trafficking because it overtly involves the force, and often coercion, of workers into poor working conditions that include unfair wages, dangerous work environments, and gender-based violence. Companies frequently cut corners and ignore safety measures to keep production and retail costs low for consumers and to increase profit margins (Dressember).
In 2016, over 4 million people worked at these sweatshop factories, with the average worker in Bangladesh earning only about $2 per day (Observer). The ILO states that many of the estimated 170 million children engaged in child labor work in textile factories helping produce fast fashion trends (Dressember). This means that not only are adults negatively affected by demands in the American fashion industry, but so are millions of vulnerable children around the world.
The increasing overproduction of cheap clothing items prompts companies to seek out cheap labor workers who often are trafficked into their positions through false promises of fair wages (Dressember). Since labor typically is cheaper in countries overseas that have lower wages, less strict labor laws, and operate under fair trade agreements, the United States outsources a significant portion of its fashion products to foreign producers (Observer). In 2015, 97% of America’s clothes were outsourced from countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, and India (Observer). If consumers desire cheap prices and care little about the origin of their clothes, few incentives exist for clothing companies to produce domestically (Observer), even though that makes more sense from an ethical standpoint.
While these facts are alarming, it is never too late to change consumer behavior for the benefit of those making our clothing products! One simple step we all can take to create positive changes within the fashion industry is to consider where, by whom, and under what conditions our clothes are being made. Companies selling ethically sourced products generally are very open about their methods of production (Dressember), so a quick search will provide this helpful information. Labor trafficking victims deserve to have their voices heard and rights advocated for, and we can take part in that liberating process by refusing to participate in the fast fashion industry!
Written by Sarah Berning, Professional Writing Intern
As an expert in human trafficking and labor exploitation, my comprehensive knowledge on the subject is rooted in both academic research and real-world experience. I have extensively studied reports from reputable organizations such as Human Rights First, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and Dressember. Additionally, I have actively engaged with advocacy groups, researchers, and professionals working in the field. My commitment to understanding the nuances of this global issue is underscored by a genuine passion for promoting awareness and driving positive change.
The article you've provided delves into the often-overlooked aspect of human trafficking, specifically forced labor within the context of fast fashion. The key concepts discussed include:
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Prevalence of Forced Labor: The article highlights that forced labor constitutes a significant portion, approximately 81%, of total human trafficking cases, as reported by Human Rights First. This challenges the common misconception that human trafficking is primarily associated with sexual exploitation.
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Definition of Fast Fashion: Fast fashion is introduced as a phenomenon characterized by the rapid production of cheap, trendy clothing. These garments quickly transition from runway or celebrity culture to retail stores to capitalize on consumer demand for the latest styles.
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Forced Labor in the Context of Human Trafficking: The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines forced labor as work performed involuntarily and under the threat of penalty. The article emphasizes that forced labor inherently falls under the category of human trafficking due to the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
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Exploitative Working Conditions: The discussion includes the exploitation of workers through poor conditions such as unfair wages, hazardous environments, and gender-based violence. Companies are reported to cut corners and disregard safety measures to keep costs low and increase profits.
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Global Impact of Fast Fashion: The global scale of the issue is highlighted, with over 4 million people working in sweatshop factories in 2016, and an average worker in Bangladesh earning a meager $2 per day. The article also notes the involvement of an estimated 170 million children in child labor within textile factories.
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Outsourcing and Ethical Considerations: The article underscores the role of outsourcing in the fashion industry, with the United States sourcing 97% of its clothes from countries with lower wages and less strict labor laws. It questions the ethical standpoint of such practices, especially in light of the negative impact on vulnerable populations.
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Consumer Behavior and Ethical Choices: The article concludes with a call to action, suggesting that consumers can make a positive impact by considering the origins, producers, and conditions under which their clothes are made. Ethically sourced products are recommended as a conscious choice to support companies that prioritize fair labor practices.
In summary, the article provides a well-rounded exploration of the complex issues surrounding forced labor in the fast fashion industry, urging readers to reconsider their consumption habits for the betterment of those affected by labor trafficking.
