Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy

In the Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy, Pietra Rivoli follows the process of creating a t-shirt sold in the United States in order to quell the growing concern that globalization is unsuitable for the economy and human rights. Rivoli (an economics professor) believes if everyone understood business the way she did, they would also “understand the virtues of markets in improving the human condition” (Rivoli preface to the second edition).

The life of Rivoli’s t-shirt, bought at a Walgreen’s drugstore in Florida, begins with cotton produced in Texas. The success of the United States cotton farming industry is explored. The cotton is then shipped to China where it is made into a t-shirt in a factory. Rivoli discusses how the global market has actually improved factory conditions. The t-shirt then comes back to the United States where it is met with “trouble at the border”. Rivoli discusses the fight for free trade and the effects on the United States factories by allowing for more commerce with foreign countries, especially China. Finally, the t-shirt’s life after being used and discarded in the United States is discussed. The t-shirt is shipped to Africa where Rivoli believes the free market is finally encountered.

We will discuss the four lifecycles above in detail and the ethical implications of each. Does the global market contribute to the triple-bottom line approach – an approach that looks at a profit, the environment, and social conditions as the bottom line of business? What value is created and shared from manufacturing t-shirts in the global market? Is Rivoli’s statement that the global market has improved the human condition valid?

Cotton Farming in Texas

The United States, although a large importer of cotton-based goods, is still a key player in cotton exports. Many cotton-based products that are manufactured in other countries and then imported to the United States come from cotton produced in the United States, specifically Texas, as...