240
sustaInaBlE FashIon : a handBooK For Educators
thE coursEs wE dEVElopEd:
Apparel Consumers and Social responsibility
Examines the role of consumers in improving working
conditions, labor standards, and environmental stewardship
in apparel factories worldwide. Factors and groups
motivating consumer action are explored, including the
influence of personal characteristics, market opportunities,
and activist and other pressure groups.
Apparel Supply Chains and Social responsibility
Examines challenges for social responsibility in the context
of structure, relationships and long-standing practices
and methods in apparel business. Analyzes structural and
competitive issues of supply chains such as ownership,
globalization, and outsourcing.
Bringing Social responsibility to Apparel Corporate Culture
Importance of leadership, the role of inspirational
leadership, and the opportunities for making a difference
will be explored, analyzed and applied. Social change is the
emphasis of this course - how individuals can help build a
socially responsible workplace.
Culture and Work in the Apparel Industry
Examines the interrelationships between cultural
characteristics, employment/work practices and social
responsibility. Examples of industry practices that reflect
the effects of culture on business practices are addressed.
Current Initiatives for Apparel Industry Labor Compliance
Evaluates the effectiveness of current initiatives for
improving working conditions and labor standards in
factories around the world. Explores codes of conduct
and new trends for achieving long-term improvements in
compliance to internationally recognized labor standards.
Producing Environmentally responsible Apparel
Examines environmentally responsible apparel production
and practices as philosophy, process, and competitive
business strategy. Analyzes sustainable production in
the context of a business’s physical plant, materials, and
resource use.
redesigning Green Apparel: Design, Sourcing and Packaging
Examines challenges to environmental stewardship in the
design, sourcing, and packaging of apparel, textiles, and
footwear products. Explores innovative practices, visionary
leadership, and social change strategies for redesigning
‘green’ in the context of the design and sourcing roles of
apparel business.Socially responsible Apparel: Global Policy
Political and profit interests that influence socially
responsible decisions and policy for the global textile and
apparel industry are considered. Factors analyzed include
ethics, economics, government policies, international
labor standards, environmental regulations, and company
priorities.Sustaining Global Apparel Supply Chains
This course examines the responsibility of businesses for
sustaining economic/social development in the global
apparel industry. An historical perspective of the role of
the industry in economic development provides a context
for evaluating current issues concerning sustainable
development.Worker-Centric Social responsibility for Apparel Industry
Examines the rights of workers. Explores obstacles in
meeting, and methods for assuring, worker rights, including
freedom of association. Consideration is given to how to
effectively engage with workers.We incorporated into the courses a wealth of information
gained through research involving a variety of first-hand
experiences with the topics. We conducted interviews with
individuals who work for multinational corporations, NGOs
and labor groups, and factory management in the United
States and off-shore; made observations in numerous
factory visits in various regions of the world, including
China, Guatemala, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Turkey,
and Vietnam; participated in the decision-making and
leadership of the Fair Labor Association, an organization
that focuses on improving labor conditions in apparel and
footwear factories (Dr. Marsha Dickson is on the board of
directors of this organization); and analyzed corporate and
NGO reports, and editorial and news reports from the
international press, as well as scholarly journals.