12.3.3: Globalization
An increasingly global economy means that many products are manufactured in multiple countries and regions around the world. Companies pursuing lower costs and higher profits will take advantage of this system, and procure the raw materials or parts of a product from countries with lower labor costs, and fewer worker protections (Frumkin, 2016). The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that over 160 million children are victims of child labor as of 2020; working in conditions that are unsafe, working hours that are too long, and/or work that interferes with their education (ILO, 2024b). The ILO has set standards for “decent work” including the abolition of forced labor, minimum age requirements, occupational safety and health standards, as well as gender equality and the right to organize. However, the ILO has no power to enforce these standards, and instead relies on commitments and partnerships with various countries to drive change (ILO, 2024a). The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #8 strives to “promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all” (U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2023).