Edexcel A level Business Paper 3 2024 - Global clothing trends: Ethics - Bullet Point 1b

In this video, Dobby explores the complex ethical landscape of the clothing industry and its supply chains.

From labour rights violations, including sweated labour and low wages, to environmental concerns like fast fashion's carbon footprint.

It also highlights the importance of sustainability, animal welfare, and the fight against child labour and unsafe working conditions, using case studies such as the Rana Plaza disaster to underline the urgent need for ethical reform. Join us as we explore how consumers can drive positive change in the global clothing sector.

Dobby discusses various ethical issues in the clothing industry, segmented by topic:

Labour Rights: Includes sweated labour, low wages, and issues like bullying and sexual harassment.
Consider this question: Assess the likely impact of implementing a fair wage policy on the global competitiveness of a UK fashion retailer, using the example of the Fashion Revolution's 'Who Made My Clothes?' campaign. (10 marks)

Environmental Concerns: Addresses the carbon footprint of clothing transportation, the negative impacts of fast fashion, and the debate over natural vs. synthetic fabrics.
Consider this question: Assess the likely value of adopting sustainable materials in the product lines of global fashion retailers, with reference to H&M's Conscious Collection. (10 marks)

Animal Welfare: Explores the ethical considerations of using animal products in clothing.
Consider this question: Assess the likely limitations of a UK fashion retailer's commitment to becoming 100% cruelty-free, considering the case of Stella McCartney. (8 marks)

Child Labour and Worker Safety: Highlights the use of child labour in some supply chains and unsafe working conditions in factories.
Consider this question: Assess the likely reasons behind the continued use of child labour in the supply chains of global fashion brands, drawing on the example of the Rana Plaza collapse. (12 marks)

Trade Unions: Discusses the refusal of some employers to recognize or negotiate with trade unions.
Consider this question: Assess the likely impact on worker satisfaction and productivity of recognising and negotiating with trade unions, referencing the efforts of ASOS to engage with union representatives. (12 marks)

Sustainability and Recycling: Looks at efforts to make the industry more sustainable through fabric recycling and reducing waste.
Consider this question: Assess the likely value to a UK fashion retailer of implementing a comprehensive recycling program, using Marks & Spencer’s 'Shwopping' initiative as an example. (10 marks)

Case studies include the Rana Plaza disaster as an example of unsafe working conditions and the use of child labour in some parts of the world, demonstrating the industry's dark sides. These topics are important for understanding the ethical implications of global clothing trends and supply chains.