Concepts from Class: Globalization exploiting women

Globalization is fueled by neoliberal economic policies using the cheapest means of production to increase profitability. Free trade zones and corporate compounds are established in areas with little regulation on wages, health, safety, and the environment. This allows transnational corporations and companies to exploit third world nations for their cheap labor force, especially women.

Third world nations aid in the spread of globalization by attracting foreign capital to relocate within their region by offering tax incentives and by building the necessary infrastructure needed for production. Those affected by this means of globalization work for close to nothing as they are unable to support themselves or their families through their low income. This is hard to counteract as companies threaten to move their operations elsewhere leaving an even larger burden then before. As corporate capitalism spreads throughout the world, these negative effects are having a large impact on women’s roles and livelihood. These roles become degrading and unhealthy as women reside in a world that undermines their ability and moral rights as human beings.


As we learned from the concepts in class about women’s roles in western manufacturing, women were in great demand for their low paying labor to compete with foreign competition. An example of this trend was shown in English companies, such as textile productions and garment-makings, sought out Asian and African British women to fill these low-paying jobs that offered minimum benefits and a series of maximum health hazards (BBB pg160,161). The sexual and racial politics used by the post-imperial British corporations exploited the use of immigrant women in the work place with cheap-labor. This practice was adopted culturally as small firms in the US and Canada used the “home-work strategy,” which targeted women of color and immigrants due to the fear of being deported. These were early means of production used within nations against women in a manner that can be seen unethical and unhealthy. As competition increased, firms began to look elsewhere to establish cheaper production. Third world nations became an attractive fit as firms were able to take advantage of their lower wage standards and tariff laws.

When examining the factories residing in parts of Asia in class we learned about the connection international politics has on ignoring the health and financial impacts these institutions have on women. In Melissa Wright’s “Disposable Women”, she depicts women in factories in China being presented with a two year contract that is terminated immediately at the end of the agreed upon period. Men are instead presented with job security and the opportunity to improve their position for a better future in the company. Upon signing this contract women are also required to pay a cash deposit that is kept by the company until their contract is completed. If this contract is terminated before the ending date, the company keeps the deposit. Termination can be enforced if women are found sick, injured or pregnant. There are no health benefits or compensation for any work related health concerns or injuries. The women have very little freedom as they are forced to ask permission to use of the restroom or to take lunch breaks. Women are also not allowed to travel into the city or leave the compound for any reason. They are under constant surveillance as they are packed into dorms and small work areas to be easily monitored. Men, on the other hand, have freedom to conduct themselves as they please in and out of the work place. Any mistakes made by men are attributed to the fault of the work environment. Meanwhile women who make mistakes are unacceptable and poor performance can lead to termination. The wages of women are significantly lower even though they are the driving force for production. These are all examples of how women are exploited in an effort to socially control them and limit their position within an industry

"Bananas, Beaches and Bases"> Cynthia Enloe

"Disposable Women". Mellissa Wright

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