Threads: Gender, Labor, and Power in the Global Apparel Industry by Jane Collins

1067 Words3 Pages

Jane Collins’ book Threads: Gender, Labor, and Power in the Global Apparel Industry (2003) shows how the apparel industry developed to become labour intensive, driven by low wages and is particularly oppressive against females. The book outlines how two clothing companies, Tultex and Liz Claiborne subcontract work out to plants in Mexico. Collins suggests labour conditions in developing nations help shape new unions with both communal and women’s interests as a driving force. However in order to critically examine the strengths, weaknesses, and methodology of the book, it is necessary to have a full understanding of the author as it gives insight into any possible bias which may appear.
Jane Collins is currently a professor of rural sociology and women’s studies at the University of Wisconsin. She also has published a number of books and articles related to the apparel industry. Collins brought a great deal of knowledge to the writing of this book through her childhood experiences growing up in Virginia and her more then thirty years of research experience in Latin America. However, it could be said that having such extensive experience and narrowed knowledge of the industry may have affected the direction and perspectives found in this book.
The strengths of the book come from its’ accessibility. The book is easy to follow and provides readers with a great deal of information about the production of mass-manufactured clothing. As well as brings awareness to its’ many issues which we inadvertently take part in when we purchase such products. The book is well written and thoroughly researched but does have its’ share of weaknesses.
One weakness can be seen in the first few chapters with the presentation of dense information. ...

... middle of paper ...

...ns extensive experience in Women's Studies.
Jane Collins’ book Threads: Gender, Labor, and Power in the Global Apparel Industry is a presentation of the evolution of the industrial globalization of the apparel industry. Although the book presents some good information in regards to globalization of the apparel industry it is rather outdated now. However, this is due to the large number of campaigns bringing awareness to the problematic nature of sweatshops since this book was released. The book is heavily biased in regards to the presentation of the repressive nature of the apparel industry against women. This could have been the result of the expertise of the author making it hard to present a more balanced perception. However, the broad focus of the book makes it a good starting point for anyone who is looking to gain general knowledge into the apparel industry.

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