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ABSTRACT
For the last 120 years, clothing has been produced at an unprecedented pace and manufactured in unparalleled volumes as a result of changes in the apparel industry. This article evaluates the historical origin of sweatshops and how technological advances, changes in the structure and operation of the apparel industry, and globalization have contributed to the apparent recurrence of them. Key concepts to the family and consumer sciences profession, including globalization, ethics, consumer behavior, and the integrative/synergistic focus of the profession, are covered. Members of the profession are encouraged to examine all positions on the issue, as there are no easy answers to this multifaceted issue.
The American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) has consistently identified globalization and ethical behavior as priority issues to the profession (Baugher et al., 2000; Firebaugh & Miller, 2000; Vincenti & Miller, 1998). When asked to rank key issues that have an impact on the profession, AAFCS members listed personal and ethical responsibility as sixth, and diversity-including global interdependence-as seventh in importance (Vincenti & Miller, 1998). Because these issues are important, it is essential that we work to integrate the role of ethics in family life, communities, the workplace, and the global marketplace into FCS educational and professional programs. After all, the conceptual framework for the profession embodies "improving individual, family and community well-being; impacting the development, delivery and evaluation of consumer goods and services; influencing the development of policy; and shaping societal change; thereby enhancing the human condition" ("The Conceptual Framework," 1994, p. 38).
The issue of apparel-production sweatshops serves as a case in point that encompasses concepts of global interdependence, ethical issues, and consumer behavior. Matters relating to sweatshops are a concern for many disciplines, not just FCS, and may facilitate dialogue between professionals in the various FCS specialties. Redden and Beyer (1993) define a sweatshop as "a business that regularly violates wage, child labor, safety or health laws designed to protect employees from exploitation" (p. 737).
Although such a definition serves as a useful starting point, it is not sufficient. To impart a better understanding of the far-reaching implications of sweatshops and their impact on the well-being of individuals, families, and communities-both domestic and foreign-we need more in-depth background on the...