An unfortunate affect of the movement towards globalization that has occurred in the past few decades has been the dramatic increase in sweatshop labor in developing countries. As the public has become more aware of the atrocious conditions under which the products we purchase, especially apparel and shoes, are made, the anti-sweatshop movement has gained strength. The movement is composed of diverse types of people including workers, students, consumers, investors and NGOs. There is much that the individual can do to make an impact in what is both a local and a global movement.

The Anti-Sweatshop Movement is a “mixed coalition of diverse allies” including consumer groups, religious organizations, responsible investing groups, university students, former Central American solidarity groups and labor organizations. It includes at least 39 NGOs, many of which are transnational, as well as international confederations and international trade secretariats.  The movement identifies pressure points through research on company assets, contributes to strike funds for workers and pressures officials and corporations. (Cravey, 2004)