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This is a graded discussion: 30 points possible

due Jun 11

Discussion 4 15 15

Prompt:

“On Power and inequality in the global political economy,”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

Do you agree with the speaker in this video?

Required material for this Discussion:

1. Chapter 8

2. “On power and inequality in the global political economy,”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 1 of 27

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

3. “The deadly cost of fashion,”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw)

(You are welcome to use other resources only after using the

required material. Even while using outside resources, ensure that

you do not use online learning resources like lumens learning,

Wikipedia, study.com, Khan Academy, Quizlet, etc. You must use

resources from reputable outlets like New York Times, Guardian,

BBC, etc.)

Assignment Details:

Your initial posting should be two paragraphs long and 200-250 words

(10 more words fine), excluding citations and references. It should

present your compelling response to the above prompt and provide

strong evidence from the sources listed above to support your position.

You should then make at least one posting, 100-150 words, that engage

your peers' ideas/arguments.

Part I: Initial Post worth 20 points

Write an original post (similar to a short essay) with at least two

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 2 of 27

Write an original post (similar to a short essay) with at least two

paragraphs that include sources and proper APA or Chicago or MLA

citations and references.

*You must post the initial essay by Thursday. Penalty of 10% for

late initial posts.

Part II: Follow up posts worth 10 points

Write at least one substantive posts which must be a compelling

response to one of your peers' (initial) posts. It MUST be a substantive

reply (remember, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your

understanding of the material and earn the highest grade possible).

Do not just write laudatory responses to your peers, challenge them

and their arguments....move the discussion forward

*No discussion postings will be accepted after the deadline,

Saturday, 11:59 PM.

A Few Words of Advice...

Your argument should not be based on unfounded, preconceived

beliefs. Statements that start with or include "I believe that..." are only

valid to the extent that they are followed and supported by well-cited,

compelling evidence from reliable sources.

As with the other discussions in this class, your personal opinion on

the issue at hand does not matter for grading purposes. (Our

grading is not influenced by your political leanings). The point of this

discussion is to think about the (above) prompt and argue your point in

a thoughtful manner, using evidence to support your position and/or to

argue against your peers' position(s).

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 3 of 27

Search entries or author

" Reply

argue against your peers' position(s).

Unread # $ % Subscribed

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/60316)

Zubaidah Al-Amear (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/60316)

Monday

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 4 of 27

" Reply

Data on current global inequality is startling, well-known, and a departure

from the norm. Economists lead the way in research and policy, with a

focus on global poverty rather than inequality. Poverty is a problem within

countries, but inequality is not; on a global scale, it is arguably the other

way around. The international focus on poverty reduction coexists with

neoliberal policies that exacerbate inequality at home and abroad.

(Phillips, Nicola. “Power and Inequality in the Global Political Economy.” )

As a result, a common notion is that within-country inequality is highest

in poor countries, with the greatest disparity. The popular wisdom holds

that neoliberal policies and free trade raise all boats; however, the

countries and times where this strategy has been applied the most

consistently exhibit the highest rise in inequality. Global inequality

contributes to the perpetuation of domestic privilege. The cross-border

effects of environmental degradation, migration and transnational crime

contradict the idea that the hazards posed by global inequality can be

managed at the global boundaries. Economic explanations disregard

power imbalances when understanding global inequality. Developmental

discipline, global integration, and marginalization and confinement

strategies can all be seen as part of a single hierarchical integration

process with turbulence built-in. In conclusion, I do agree with the video

and yes labor can be another face of global inequality.

1. Phillips, Nicola. “Power and Inequality in the Global Political Economy.”

OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 Mar. 2017,

https://academic.oup.com/ia/article/93/2/429/2997439

(https://academic.oup.com/ia/article/93/2/429/2997439) .

2. FacultiTV. “On Power and Inequality in the Global Political Economy.”

YouTube, YouTube, 26 Feb. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8.

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 5 of 27

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)

Jeromy Wilson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)

Tuesday

" Reply

Hi Zubaidah, great point about the countries with the most rising

inequality being the ones with the popular free trade policies. I

wonder if the state of those countries before implementing such

policies has anything to do with that, or if it is genuinely a direct

result of implementing these neo-liberal ideas? I am also curious

what you think about this domestic privilege you mentioned. That

could be read and interpreted a few different ways, and I am having

trouble deciding what I think that means in the context provided.

Otherwise, great post and I look forward to your answer, should you

choose to respond. Have a nice day.

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/62702)

Malynn Nooney (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/62702)

Tuesday

I do agree with the speaker, but I’d like to hear her go more in-depth on

the inequality she is referencing. I think that when most people think of

inequality they automatically think about wages and the inequality

between men and women. However, on an international scale, I think that

goes much broader in terms of defining inequality. For example, in third

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 6 of 27

goes much broader in terms of defining inequality. For example, in third

world countries over 90% of students do not possess the necessary life

skills for a career and to sustain themselves. This can fall under

inequality, but only if it’s looked at comparatively to other countries. The

American Economic Association states “A common narrative frames

globalization as the cause of inequality: by shifting low-skilled jobs from

wealthier countries to poorer countries, economic integration has

increased inequality within countries while lowering inequality between

them.” (Schoder, 2018) This explains that while the top 1% of the world

are experiencing incredible gains, those less fortunate may not be seeing

any improvement from economic globalization, thus contributing to the

worldwide inequality. Globalization according to Luke Martell is “the

integration of poor countries into a world economy of open competition”

While this seems like a great idea, it may introduce an uneven playing

field.

Word Count: 203

References:

Heinze, J. (2020, March 26). The impact of globalization on poverty and

inequality in the Global South. E. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from

https://www.e-ir.info/2020/03/22/the-impact-of-globalisation-on-

poverty-and-inequality-in-the-global-south/

PricewaterhouseCoopers. (n.d.). Six big challenges facing governments in

2021. PwC. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from

https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/issues/reinventing-the-future/take-on-

tomorrow/government-challenges.html

Schoder, D. (2018, June 18). Is a globalized world a less equal world?

American Economic Association. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 7 of 27

" Reply

American Economic Association. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from

https://www.aeaweb.org/research/globalization-income-inequality-trade-

policy

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/74628)

Victoria Blanchard (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/74628)

Tuesday

I agree with the speaker that there is inequality in the global political

economy. Many large fashion companies that are known for cheaper

fashionable clothes underpay their workers that are in another country.

The business owners get to sit comfortably while the ones in unsafe

warehouses, living in harsh conditions, and barely scraping by get paid a

very small percentage of what the owner gets. The constant greed of

large corporations feeds into inequality for these type of workers. The

type of working conditions is unfair to these workers as there is little to

no consideration for their safety as shown in the video "The Deadly Cost

of Fashion." For those people, they are doing this as a living to get out of

poverty but it pays so little it is hard to climb out of it.

Inequality also shows up in the United States. For example, in the

education system, teachers do not get paid equal to the amount of work

and time they invest into their classrooms, students, and now with current

situations, putting their lives on the line to save these children in case of

a shooting. With the economy getting worse nowadays, just the regular

full time worker getting paid minimum wage cannot afford to pay rent,

groceries, utilities, insurance, etcetera all at once. Large American

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 8 of 27

" Reply

groceries, utilities, insurance, etcetera all at once. Large American

corporations want higher profits for themselves and investors and seek

out the cheapest location for manufacturing these goods. Those

locations are usually out of the country.

(word count:246)

Sources:

“On Power and Inequality in the Global Political Economy.” YouTube, 26

Feb. 2019,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8) .

“Rana Plaza Collapse Documentary: The Deadly Cost of Fashion | Op-

Docs | The New York Times.” YouTube, 15 Apr. 2014,

www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw.

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/103581)

Caitlyn Trombly (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/103581)

Tuesday

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 9 of 27

" Reply

Hey Vicroia, the same as you, I agree with the speaker in the video

about there being inequality in the global political economy. I like

how you mentioned the word greed in your post when speaking about

big time fashion organizations. I agree that all it can come down to is

greed when exploiting human beings to the extent that they are

risking their lives to go to work and doing so for an undesirable wage.

I read the comments on the video “The Deadly Cost of Fashion” and

one girl made a great point. She said “why is this the first we are

hearing of this?”. It's not the first time something like this has

happened but I never heard of this case. Makes you wonder if the

companies want these situations to be swept under a rug so they may

continue business as usual.

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/62702)

Malynn Nooney (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/62702)

Yesterday

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 10 of 27

" Reply

Victoria, the point you bring up about teachers is really fantastic. I

have first-hand experience with this as my mother is a 20-year

veteran teacher, currently teaching first grade. She invests so much

time and personal money into her classroom and students and never

sees any type of compensation for it.

This also introduces another layer of teaching inequalities when

speaking on the difference in resources of well-funded versus

underfunded schools. A school in a poor neighborhood may not have

the same quality of resources that a well-off school has, thus creating

significant inequality in the level of education that students are

receiving. The teacher may feel responsible for this, causing him or

her to invest their personal money to provide better materials for the

children.

Inequality in education is a huge issue and is clearly not discussed

often enough. Thank you for shedding light on this.

Word Count: 148

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121547)

Joselyn De La Cruz (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121547)

Yesterday

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 11 of 27

" Reply

Hello Victoria,

You mentioned that currently, in our country many people are

struggling to pay for necessities even with a full-time job.

Corporations want the biggest sale by any means necessary. These

corporations very well know that their business choices affect the

consumers and laborers. Are these CEOs or owners obligated to help

out their country, even though these big corporations win and

everyone else loses? Purchasing fairer labor, higher taxes, and

keeping consumer prices the same to even out the income class

difference could be beneficial. Should presidents and leaders enforce

stricter regulations on corporations from distancing the income class

even further? No matter who you are in this world or what your job is

everyone is dispensable in this economic world. If one falls from a

higher position to a menial job, would people then open their eyes to

see the difference and inequality in this globalized world?

Word Count: 150

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/103581)

Caitlyn Trombly (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/103581)

Tuesday

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 12 of 27

" Reply

I agree with the speaker in the video On Power and Inequality in the

Global Political Economy, especially where she mentioned “labor

exploitation and global production leads to the creation or reinforcement

of inequalities across a number of different dimensions”. This point is

further proven in the collapse documentary. People are dying to make

cheap and quick turn over clothing for 1st world countries. The fashion

industry not only uses and abuses its employees all over the world but

they are also one of the top five polluters in the world. These global

fashion companies, such as Shein, have been known to pay next to

nothing to third world citizens in order to sell clothing in larger countries

like America. The distribution of money in these companies is unequal,

the owner or investor making millions and paying close to pennies for

their workers depending on where the factory is. The conditions in places

like these for work are unsanitary most of the time and the more people

exploit, the more money they make. This leads to a never ending cycle of

the investor increasing their wealth from exploitation as the more money

they have the more workers they can exploit and so on.

Phillips, N. (2019, February 26). On Power and Inequality in the Global

Economy . YouTube. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

Ferdous, I., & Fitch, N. (2014, April 5). Rana Plaza collapse documentary:

The deadly cost of fashion - youtube. YouTube. Retrieved June 7, 2022,

from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/74628)

Victoria Blanchard

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 13 of 27

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/74628)

Yesterday

" Reply

Hello Caitlyn,

In relations to what you said about the distribution of money in the

companies being unequal, these companies do their best to find the

cheapest area to open those jobs knowing very well that those people

are in desperate need of money. They take advantage of these poor

people and exhaust them for pennies while they are also in harms

way with the conditions they put them in. It is a cruel reality of the

large companies in the world, constantly trying to find the cheapest

workers to make the most profit off of them. Some of those in power

have no consideration for the poor and do not mind using them as

stepping stones.

(word count:119)

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)

Jeromy Wilson (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/90905)

Tuesday

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 14 of 27

" Reply

The inequality in the global market is indisputably real. The issue of

labor exploitation is prevalent and urgently requires attention. In a basic

chain of consequences, cheap (inhumane) labor forces attract profit

driven corporations (for example Apple, Microsoft, etcetera) and provide

irresistible incentives for such organizations to pull from this labor force

to drive profits up and keep costs of the products lower. This reinforces

and encourages the continuity and expansion of the underpaid labor

force, attracting more companies to indulge in the use of this force out of

necessity because it is the only way to keep up with competitors. This

has a number of negative consequences.

The loss of jobs within the nation of origin of these companies is

detrimental to the health of a nation. Lack of locally produced goods

means loss of knowledge on how to produce those goods within a

community, loss of income sources for local populations, and loss of

resources because if the work needs to be done overseas, the resources

needed to make the goods and do the work also need to be sent

overseas. This leads to a level of dependance on outside parties to have

basic things needed for modern daily life. This also promotes a scenario

where the locals do not know how to build what they need, but they can

afford it, while the people who are doing the work can not even afford to

purchase the goods they produce. This is unsustainable and

counterproductive to the prosperity of any nation, and it should be

reversed as quickly as possible if any involved wish to have a realistic

shadow of the future to plan for.

https://www.imf.org/~/media/Files/Publications/WP/2018/wp18127.ashx

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 15 of 27

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/29208)

Digna Turcios (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/29208)

Yesterday

I do agree with Nicola Phillips, she states that inequality is a problem in

todays world and its mostly hysterical politics. She has done research on

different angles of inequality and forms of inequality. She states that

transnational companies, like huge corporations make all the money and

it only goes toward one source. There are connections between inequality

and the global political economy. In today's world we can see how

exploitation of laborers in global production leads to the creation of

inequality. Multinational companies are set in many locations across the

world and have the ability to trade with other companies. These

companies ensure economic growth not only in their respective country

but also in trading with their allies. The World Trade Organization which

was formally named General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade became a

formal institution in 1995. The World Trade Organization is responsible

for 90% of all trades across the world. The WTO has two procedures, the

first being Trade policy review, which monitors any trades made from

member states. The second being the dispute settlement body, which

handles any conflict between states. They listen to both sides and have a

panel to give a fair resolve between both parties. Companies like shein

exploit their workers and make very little profit off of the time and

amount of work they are given. This is a big problem in today's world,

corporations are the ones that make the most profit while their workers

are treated as second class citizens and slave away just to make ends

meet.

word count: 261

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Edited by Digna Turcios (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/29208) on Jun 8 at 5:29pm

" Reply

References:

On Power and inequality in the global political economy. (2019, February

26). YouTube. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

Mingst, K. A., & McKibben, H. E. (2021). Essentials of International

Relations (Ninth Edition) (9th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121547)

Joselyn De La Cruz (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121547)

Yesterday

Yes, I do agree that there is inequality in the global political economy.

Over the many decades, other countries have shared the upper to lower

classifications. A possible reason that income inequality exists is due to

our technological advances. Over time our technology has gotten

advanced and that can lead to the replacement of human beings with

possible robots or computers. Unfortunately, having lower education

could potentially take away job opportunities which could lead to

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 17 of 27

personnel not having the required skills to do specific jobs. One of our

popular products, Apple is manufactured in the most favorable trade

country, China. China offers lower tariffs and cheaper labor. “The

corporate tax rate in China is 25%. It’s 35% in India, 34% in Brazil, and

30% in Mexico. Right off the bat, China is at least 5% cheaper”

(Rapoza).

Since the idea is to buy the cheapest deal from anywhere, corporations

prefer to avoid having business deals with any Unions. Unions favor the

workers by having better wages and working conditions. China is chosen

again for its cheaper labor due to worker exploitation. “China has

comparatively weak labor protections on one hand, and a diverse pool of

talent on the other—from stitch-and-sew factory workers to scientists and

other high tech, advanced machine tool operators are all at the ready”

(Rapoza). Personnel can receive higher wages, but their cities will adjust

the balance by increasing prices on goods or any everyday necessities.

Inequality is inevitable in this globalized world and potential fixes can be

people obtaining higher education to receive more job opportunities and

distribution of wealth from the rich and powerful to help the lower

classes.

Word Count: 207 (without citations or references) / 305 (with citations

and references)

Works Cited

Rapoza, K. (2021, June 29). Why American companies choose China over

everyone else. Forbes. Retrieved June 7, 2022, from

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kenrapoza/2019/09/03/why-american-

companies-choose-china-over-everyone-else/?sh=1f48bab571de

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 18 of 27

" Reply

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Frances Martinez (She/Her) (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/121800)

Yesterday

Nicola Phillips presents a point that historically has been proven to be

right. We have seen time and time again, from the slave trade until now

that human beings have been exploited for the gain of power. They have

been used to increase profit in many areas from the industrial age to the

ongoing crisis of labor related human trafficking. Companies many times

seek to offset their costs by taking their business interests abroad, which

in turn has a horrific side effect, human exploitation. Human trafficking is

the most profitable business in the world, which furthermore proves the

downside of Free trade.

Capitalism, which is the belief of economic liberals, is based on the idea

that free trade is the best way to create growth in an economy. It gives

the opportunity to foreign investors to expand their capital beyond their

borders. They believe in lesser government regulation and can provide

access to better quality goods. Those with lower incomes can have the

opportunity to have access to a myriad of products. The downside is that

free trade, unlike we have been led to believe, doesn't create new jobs.

Statistically is has proved to be responsible for over 20% of job loss that

occurs worldwide. It creates a disparity within communities and presents

a higher risk of a state currency being influenced for the advantage of a

state to benefit their economy. Developing countries, which are usually

used to mass produce for Multinational Corporations typically don't have

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 19 of 27

" Reply

used to mass produce for Multinational Corporations typically don't have

laws to protect against labor exploitation and the marginalized continue

to be at a disadvantage in this economical structure.

Word Count: 266

Resources:

https://www.statisticser.com/human-trafficking-statistics/

(https://www.statisticser.com/human-trafficking-statistics/)

https://futureofworking.com/6-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-

free-trade/ (https://futureofworking.com/6-advantages-and-

disadvantages-of-free-trade/)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw)

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 20 of 27

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/26325)

Andrea Cedeno Barcia (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/26325)

3:46pm

As explained in the video "On Power and inequality in the global political

economy," an quoting the words of Professor Nicola Phillips "inequality is

the defining problem of our age." It is sad to admit but it is true, and I

agree with this statement, according to the papers Professor Nicola

Phillips has published, focusing on the labor issues in a micro scale and

explaining the situations in Latin America as well as India, is shocking

but at the same time there is a clear need to learn and understand about

this topic, and that is that the path globalization is taking is impacting

for the worse the lives of many unfortunate individuals to have been born

on the upcoming countries that are fighting to have a place in this race,

also known as globalization and many are suffering and even loosing

their lives in the process.

Additionally, according to the article "Income Inequality and Global

Political Polarization: The Economic Origin of Political Polarization in the

World," the authors explain that "[Income inequality]has increased in

nearly all regions in the world since the turn of the century." As previously

mentioned globalization is now perceived as a race and its growth is

currently being built on the wrong foundation, which leads to assume that

it will not be sustainable in the long run, which is never a good sign when

building something new.

WORD COUNT: 232

Resources

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 21 of 27

Edited by Andrea Cedeno Barcia (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/26325) on Jun 9 at

3:47pm

" Reply

Gu, Y., & Wang, Z. (2021, November 23). Income inequality and global

political polarization: The economic origin of political polarization in the

world - journal of chinese political science. SpringerLink. Retrieved June

9, 2022, from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11366-021-

09772-1

Mingst, K. A., & McKibben, H. E. (2021). Essentials of International

Relations. W. W. Norton & Company.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/9951)

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 22 of 27

Valerie Martin (https://canvas.fscj.edu/courses/56644/users/9951)

9:09pm

I agree with the speakers in both videos. As stated by Nicola Phillips,

"There is no question of the saliency of the issue" of global inequality.

When we look into the specifics that would answer her question of, "

What are the connections between inequality and the global political

economy?", (Nicola Phillips, Faculti, 2/26/2019), we find answers in video

#2, the Rana collapse where 1,100 people died and 2,500 were injured.

When large states or MNC's are able to penetrate the labor markets of

lesser developed countries, in attempt to cut prices for the consumer, we

see the effect on people like the workers in the garment factories in

Bangladesh. To paraphrase our textbook, MNC's find the countries with

the cheapest source of labor, with governments that are willing to make

labor concessions, in markets close to their target consumer, and to set

up production. This also allows them to circumvent taxes and import

barriers. This is done to satiate the consumer desire for lower prices and

maximize the MNC's goal of profitability (Karen A. Mingst and Heather

Elko McKibben, 2021). But, this combines for situations like in

Bangladesh where the government standards for building regulation and

worker protection are low. Some of the MNC's involved were Walmart, JC

Penny, and Cato Clothing. Companies that combine to be worth billions,

paying people low wages to risk their lives making clothes that cost more

per item, than they make in a month. Then when there is an accident the

MNC's are protected by the concessions that were made by the

government and are able to leave the workers (or their surviving relatives)

to fend for themselves after making a company a considerable amounts

of money. As pointed out in the video about the collapse, "The Rana

Plaza Donors Trust Fund, which supports victims and their families, needs

an additional $25 million to cover lost of income and medical costs."

(Ismail Ferdous and Nathan Fitch, New York Times, 2014) As reported in

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 23 of 27

2021, Walmart's net income (meaning after expenses were paid out) was

$37 million per day (Jeff Burton, The Small Business Times,12/18/2021).

For less than one day of profit, Walmart alone could have shored up the

needs of the trust fund.

[Jeff Burton "How Much Money Does Walmart Make a Day?" (The Small

Business Times,12/18/202 )

https://thesmallbusinesstimes.com/how-much-money-does-

walmart-make-a-day/ (https://thesmallbusinesstimes.com/how-much-

money-does-walmart-make-a-day/) ]

[Nicola Phillips, "On Power and Inequality in the Global Political

Economy", Faculti, 2/26/2019)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8) ]

[Ismail Ferdous and Nathan Fitch, "Rana Plaza Collapse Documentary:

The Deadly Cost of Fashion" (The New York Times, 4/15/2014)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8) ]

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" Reply

[Karen A. Mingst and Heather Elko McKibben, "Essentials of International

Relations", Ninth Edition,, (New York: W. W. Norton, (2021)]

(https://canvas.fscj.edu/about/15236)Mary Grace Floresca (https://canvas.fscj.edu/about/15236)

9:21pm

Hello Professor and Class,

I agree with the speaker in the video. Inequality is a significant problem

that faces many people. The global production processes reflect the

dynamics of global inequality. Transnational corporations such as Apple

have high concentration of assets and wealth. Many companies have

been investing in third world countries. For example, Coca-Cola has

invested in many African countries. The companies utilize cheap labor in

third world countries to maximize profits. They acquire more wealth by

exploiting cheap labor in other countries.

The Rana Plaza collapse is a perfect example of the problem of

inequality. The collapse relates to American lives. The factories in Rana

Plaza were associated with brands and companies such as Walmart,

Mango and Joe Fresh. When the building collapsed, there were clothing

labels that were photographed. The clothing labels were found in various

US stores. This showed that many Americans were able to access clothes

at low prices because of individuals working in countries such as

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 25 of 27

at low prices because of individuals working in countries such as

Bangladesh. Those in the Rana Plaza were working for first world

countries. The Bangladesh workers were toiling in sweatshops for low

wages. The building collapse was a proof that the workers were subjected

to unsafe working conditions. This shows that there isa problem of

inequality as laborers in other countries work under poor working

conditions and low wages to benefit transnational companies. It also

shows that there is labor exploitation in global production that leads to

inequalities.

Works Cited

“On Power and inequality in the global political economy.” YouTube,

uploaded by Faculti, Feb 27, 2019.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh7NbSmcLQ8)

“Rana Plaza Collapse Documentary: The Deadly Cost of Fashion | Op-

Docs | The New York Times.” YouTube, uploaded by The New York Times,

April 16, 2014.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Fkhzdc4ybw)

6/9/22, 9:22 PM Page 26 of 27

" Reply

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