To complete Discussion Forum #2 please answer respond to the question prompts below:
Please read the article by Paul Krugman provided in Cougar Courses.
In the article, Krugman argues that cheap labor is the essential variable that enables a poor country to compete in the global economy. And that even though the wages and working conditions in these export economies are appalling, it is better than starving on a farm. He argues that self-righteous demands in developed countries for fair wages & work in developing countries is unrealistic. The only advantage poor countries have is their cheap labor. He says, we cannot deny poor countries the prospect of export-orientated growth.
The counter-argument to Krugman is that this is morally unacceptable. Multinational companies move factories to these countries, and that “fat-cat capitalists” take advantage of their citizens’ desperation to increase their companies’ profits. These advocates of global workers rights demand that a “living wage” be provided to the workers in these factories.
For this discussion forum, please explain which argument you agree with. Is it Krugman’s article about the advantages of cheap labor? Or, the counter-argument regarding workers’ rights? When crafting your post, please make sure to state which argument you prefer up front. Start with your choice first, then explain your thoughts. This makes it easier for the replies. Also, note that the arguments are mutually exclusive – either you allow for cheap labor, or you do not. Therefore, you must choose one or the other.
Please respond to two other students’ posts. In your replies, please be critical. You can agree or disagree with your fellow students, but you must add value to their discussion. Just agreeing or disagreeing is not enough. You must critically think about their thoughts.
Finally, when providing your post make sure to include the page numbers for the information cited in the readings. Students who fail to cite properly from the readings will lose half points fo
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