Levi's Children

By Karl Schoenberger

Subjects: Clothing trade, Case studies, History, Levi Strauss and Company, Human rights, Labor policy

Description: "Levi Strauss is perhaps the ideal model for understanding how globalization has brought companies face-to-face with accusations of human rights violations. For years, the iconic blue-jeans maker has been a leader in corporate social responsibility, and its brand name has become synonymous with the American values of freedom and individualism. Yet even Levi Strauss, in order to remain competitive, has ultimately had to source production overseas in places tainted by rampant sweatshop abuse and political repression.". "Schoenberger takes a critical look at Levi Strauss's decisions, placing them in the larger context of the contentious human-rights debate. He is deeply sensitive to the interests and limitations of multinationals, yet he also calls on them to engage proactively in protecting the rights of citizens of foreign countries where they do business. He stresses the need for rigorous corporate transparency that honestly informs the public of business practices. And he argues for systemic regulation by local and international government bodies if the business community cannot manage the problem on its own."--BOOK JACKET.