Sweatshops FTW

Kristof at the NY Times has just written a column and a follow-up post about sweatshops. His argument is that while sweatshops are distasteful, they're better than what many are forced to do for a living (eg. scavenging in garbage dumps), and they help lead a country to higher wages and productivity. Sweatshops are a necessary evil.

This issue is to me emblematic of my disillusionment with some of the left's orthodoxy. Obviously anti-sweatshop campaigners have their hearts in the right place - no one should have to work painful, humiliating, dangerous and low-paid jobs. Wishing it so however isn't enough. Boycotting products from sweatshops just contributes to keeping people in poverty.

This is one reason economists get a little frustrated when people argue trade deals should be accompanied by labor regulations. These are effectively protectionist measures that prevent the greatest benefits of trade to reach the world's poor. (They also, incidentally, hurt us in rich countries - trade is one of those nice realms where everyone can benefit.)

Kristof's NY Times video:


(I'm somehow disappointed with Kristof's voice - does that make sense?)