Question

"Free Trade Can Lift Labor Standards Abroad" By Layna Mosley and"Everything We Knew About Sweatshops Was Wrong." By Christopher Blattman and Stefan can you please share what you thInk of these article? Also can you tell me which article is more convincing?

Answer 1

First of all, both these articles are very well written and convincing.

Layna tries to convince us how free trade would help in the improvement of labor standards in partner underdeveloped economies with poor labor standards. She asserts that engagement with underdeveloped countries will help in improvements more than restricting relation on the grounds of poor labor standards. Thus, Layna focuses on improvement of industries through infusion of labor standards from developed country's firms.

Blattman and Stefan tries to convince us how industrialization may not be successful in improving labor conditions as economists often expects. The survey results they share, reveals the same. They say that improvement would come overtime and with appropriate measures. Industrialisation is important but it is hard path initially.

If we compare both articles, Blattman and Stefan present a slightly more convincing solution. They explain the prevalent problems and also provide solutions for improvement.

Layna focuses more on California effect, which may not have a great impact on underdeveloped nations. The other environmental, economic and political issues also play a very important role and might work against the California effect.