This final paper is a critical assessment of what should be done in response to economic globalization in an era of socio-political uncertainty. Should we promote and participate in economic globalization? How should citizens and consumers in the globalized world respond to how and where clothing is made?

For this paper, address how the current political state of affairs informs and affects both the fashion industry and globalization at large.

• Discuss how globalization may or may notaddress the world's social, economic, and environmental needs.
• Should we embrace or oppose current models of globalization?
• What kinds of alternative models, if any, are needed in the economic, environmental, and social realms?
• Follow the steps below to answer these question

Introduction :

• Globalization's Impact on Fashion:
  • Explain how the removal of trade barriers and advancements in transportation and communication have enabled global supply chains in fashion.
  • Discuss the rise of fast fashion, characterized by trendy, low-cost clothing with a short lifespan, as a consequence of globalization.
• The Current Political Climate:
  • Analyze how rising nationalism and protectionist policies challenge free trade and could disrupt global fashion supply chains.
  • Briefly mention the potential impact of geopolitical tensions on raw material sourcing and production costs.

The Current Landscape: Fashion, Globalization, and Uncertainty :

• Historical Shift in US Apparel Industry (Farrell-Beck):
  • Use Farrell-Beck's "20th-Century Dress in the United States" (Chapters 9-11) to provide a detailed historical analysis of the shift from domestic production to offshoring in the US apparel industry.
  • Discuss the factors that drove this shift, such as cheaper labor costs overseas and advancements in textile production technology.
  • Include specific examples of how iconic American clothing brands have moved their manufacturing overseas.
• Globalization's Impact on Labor Practices (Rosen):
  • Analyze Rosen's "Making Sweatshops" (Chapter 6: The US Apparel Industry: Responses to Capital Flight) to discuss the decline of domestic manufacturing jobs in the US due to globalization.
  • Use Rosen's work (Chapter 7: The 1980s: The Demise of Protectionism) to delve into the rise of concerns about working conditions and fair wages in garment factories in developing countries (Rosen, 2007).
  • Provide specific examples of documented labor abuses or safety hazards in garment factories.
  • Consider including visuals like charts or graphs to represent the decline of domestic jobs or the rise of garment production in developing countries (data permitting).

Globalization's Impact: A Mixed Bag :

• Consumer Benefits:
  • Explain how globalization has increased consumer access to a wider variety of affordable clothing by lowering production costs.
  • Discuss the rise of fast fashion brands and how they cater to consumer demand for trendy, low-priced clothing.
• Social Costs (Rosen):
  • Expand on the social costs of globalization mentioned earlier.
  • Use Rosen's "Making Sweatshops" (Chapter 7) to delve deeper into the human cost of cheap clothing, including long working hours, low wages, and unsafe working conditions (Rosen, 2007).
  • Discuss the potential exploitation of vulnerable workers, particularly women and children.
  • Consider including quotes from advocacy groups or interviews with garment workers.
• Economic Costs:
  • Analyze the economic consequences of globalization for developed nations.
  • Discuss job losses in the textile and apparel industries due to offshoring.
  • Mention the potential for income inequality within developed countries as a result of globalization.
• Environmental Costs:
  • Explain how the fast fashion model contributes to environmental degradation.
  • Discuss the environmental impact of producing cheap, synthetic clothing, including resource depletion, pollution from textile dyeing and finishing, and the growing problem of textile waste.
  • Consider including statistics on the environmental footprint of the fashion industry.

Rethinking Globalization: Alternative Models :

• The Need for Change:
  • Emphasize the need for a new model of globalization that addresses the social and environmental concerns raised earlier.
  • Discuss the limitations of the current model and its incompatibility with sustainable practices.
• Alternative Models:
  • Provide a detailed explanation of each alternative model:
    • Fair Trade Fashion: Discuss the principles of fair trade certification, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for garment workers.
    • Sustainable Fashion: Explain the focus on eco-friendly materials, responsible production processes, and reduced waste throughout the supply chain.
    • Slow Fashion: Discuss the shift away from fast fashion trends, promoting higher quality, longer-lasting garments and responsible consumer behavior.
  • Include examples of brands that are embracing these alternative models.
• Challenges and Opportunities:
  • Discuss the challenges associated with implementing these alternative models, such as higher production costs and consumer resistance to price increases.
  • Analyze the potential opportunities for brands, consumers, and the environment with a shift towards these modelS.

Citizen and Consumer Response :

Empowering Consumers:

• Emphasize the power of citizens and consumers to influence the fashion industry by making informed choices.
• Discuss the growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable fashion.

Strategies for Consumer Action:

• Provide a detailed list of ways individuals can participate in shaping a more responsible fashion industry:
  • Research: Encourage consumers to research brands' ethical practices and sustainability credentials. This might involve looking for certifications like Fair Trade or using resources like independent fashion blogs or ethical consumer guides.
  • Support Ethical Brands: Advocate for supporting brands that prioritize ethical labor practices, use sustainable materials, and have transparent supply chains.
  • Buy Less, Choose Well: Promote a shift away from fast fashion by encouraging consumers to buy fewer garments and invest in higher quality, longer-lasting pieces.
  • Embrace Second-Hand Clothing: Discuss the benefits of buying pre-owned clothing as a way to extend the life cycle of garments and reduce demand for new production.
  • Advocate for Change: Encourage consumers to use their voices to advocate for policy changes that promote ethical and sustainable practices in the fashion industry. This could involve contacting lawmakers, supporting relevant NGOs, or participating in consumer campaigns.

The Collective Impact of Consumer Choices:

• Explain how collective consumer action can drive change within the fashion industry.
• Discuss the growing market share of ethical and sustainable brands as evidence of this shift in consumer behavior.

Conclusion :

Recap and Reiterate:

• Briefly summarize the key points about globalization's impact on the fashion industry, highlighting both the benefits and drawbacks.
• Reiterate the need for a new model of globalization that prioritizes ethical labor practices, sustainability, and responsible consumerism.

A Vision for the Future:

• Present a vision for a future where the fashion industry operates in a more ethical and sustainable manner.
• Discuss the potential benefits of this shift for workers, the environment, and consumers.

A Call to Action:

• Emphasize the importance of individual and collective action in shaping the future of fashion.
• Encourage readers to make informed choices, support ethical brands, and advocate for change to make a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry.

Additional Tips:

• Throughout your paper, consider including relevant case studies of brands that have successfully implemented ethical and sustainable practices.
• Use visuals like infographics or photographs to enhance your arguments and make your paper more engaging.

It's importnat to cite resources

References:

• Farrell-Beck, 20th-Century Dress in the United States, Chapters 9-11
• Rosen, Making Sweatshops. Read:
• https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/empire-ebooks/detail.action?docID=223322
  • Chapter 6: the US Apparel Industry: Responses to Capital Flight
  • Chapter 7: The 1980s: The Demise of Protectionism