Business Ethics Discussion Project Ethics and 'Sweatshops'

Consider what you would take to be a typical case of a U.S. company having its goods manufactured abroad in what the critics call 'sweatshops.' (It might be Nike getting shoes made in Indonesia or clothing retailers purchasing from plants in Central America or China.)

1. What are the features of these workplaces that lead critics to call them 'sweatshops'?

2. What is the best case that can be made for the view that it is wrong (ethically speaking) to operate such facilities or to purchase goods from subcontracters who operate them?

3. What is the best case that can be made for the view that there is nothing really wrong (ethically speaking) with operating or purchasing from such businesses?

4. Which side has the better case, the critics or the defenders of 'sweatshops'? (Explain.)