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Mini Case Scenarios
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In the last two decades the global fashion industry has undergone a significant transition. The modern clothing economy has enabled consumers to purchase cheap clothing for a fraction of the price, while increasing consumption. This has resulted in a significant decline in costs while accelerating the rate of fashion cycles, and further increases the demand for new clothes and increased shopping opportunities. However, beneath the surface of this global economy, is a supply-chain dependent on impoverished workers in developing countries, working in dangerous conditions, for impoverished wages...
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A Monday to Friday nine to five lifestyle can feel draining to most people, which is why some countries including Iceland have adopted the 4-day work week structure. They can keep the same number of hours a week but condensed into 4 days as opposed to five. This allows them to have a three-day weekend. Trials in Iceland indicate no drop in productivity and a dramatic increase in employee well-being. Interviews with individuals who are partaking in the four-day work week pilots in the United Kingdom have highlighted the need for this change...
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Sustainable tourism is an approach to travel and hospitality that seeks to minimize negative impacts on the environment while maximizing social and economic benefits for local communities. It involves responsible travel practices, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the protection of natural resources. As the global tourism industry continues to grow, it becomes imperative to adopt sustainable tourism practices to ensure long-term viability and minimize adverse effects...
Discussion Topics
- How might we improve the impacts on our environment through the jobs we have?
- What impact could an understanding of a circular economy have on a supply chain?
- How might immigration programs have an impact on the local community?
- When considering innovative employment opportunities that the City of Kingston might engage in, how might we ensure that all voices within a community are heard?
- Is tourism an essential requirement for community growth? Why or why not?
- How might a living wage policy have an impact on health?
- How does skill development help to integrate marginalized individuals into the community?
- How would a professional development program for artists help to reduce overall local unemployment rates?
- How might you help artists to maximize their revenue potential?
- How might we encourage students to volunteer in our local community? What barriers exist? What are the potential benefits?
Assessment Ideas
- Position Paper: From an educator’s standpoint, argue for the implementation of robust skills development programs in curriculum to address the challenge of youth unemployment. Highlight the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills to bridge the gap between education and employment, fostering their integration into the workforce and contributing to economic growth.
- Research Paper: Advocate for policies that address the challenges of the informal economy, such as unregulated labor practices and lack of social protections. Discuss the benefits of formalizing informal sectors, offering legal protections, social security, and access to financial services to workers, with a focus on developing countries.
- Case Study Analysis: Provide students with a real-world case study that highlights challenges or success stories related to decent work and economic growth. Ask them to critically analyze the case study, identify key factors contributing to decent work or economic growth, and propose recommendations for improving labor conditions or fostering economic development.
- Policy Brief: Prepare a policy brief on a specific labor rights issue. Research the issue, analyze the current policies and practices, identify gaps or challenges, and propose recommendations for policy improvement.
- Group Presentation: Develop a sustainable business plan that integrates the principles of decent work and economic growth. Identify a business opportunity, outline the business model, consider social and environmental sustainability aspects, and demonstrate how the business contributes to decent work and economic growth. Present your business plan, including financial projections and impact assessment.
- Data Analysis and Recommendations: Conduct a labor market analysis for a specific industry or region. Examine employment trends, wage levels, skill requirements, and other labor market indicators.
- Communications Strategy: Develop a communication strategy to shed light on labor exploitation, forced labor, and unfair practices in certain industries. Use compelling narratives, statistics, and real-life examples to motivate consumers and companies to make ethically conscious choices.
Additional Resources
Faculty Subject Matter Experts
You may wish to contact one of the following departments who may have subject matter experts in this area:
Sociology (ugsocy@queensu.ca)
Experiential Learning Contact
Christina Dinsmore (pronouns: she/her)
Associate Director, Experiential Learning & Programming
asc.el@queensu.ca
- Featherwax Studios. Fast Fashion Sweatshops. n.d. [cited 2023 Available from: https://www.behance.net/gallery/131794441/Fast-Fashion-Sweatshops.
- Clean Clothes Campaign. Poverty Wages n.d. [cited 2023; Available from: https://cleanclothes.org/poverty-wages.
- Josephine Moulds. Child labour in the fashion supply chain: Where, why and what can be done. n.d. [cited 2023 Available from: https://labs.theguardian.com/unicef-child-labour/.
- Zaman, N. Child labour in the fashion industry. n.d. [cited 2023 Available from: https://shapecharity.org/2021/07/19/child-labour-in-the-fashion-industry/#:~:text=Common%20Objective%20(CO)%20a%20global,including%20in%20fashion%20supply%20chains.