Looking Behind the Logo: The Global Supply Chain in the Sportswear Industry
What’s inside...
A role-play activity for use with individuals aged 13 and older, designed to teach and fulfill aspects of global citizenship by exploring the global supply chain in the sportswear industry. Participants will engage in an interactive session where they will assume various roles within the industry, gaining insights into the complexities and ethical considerations of the global supply chain.
Age
10-18
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What impact do you think the sportswear industry has on people around the world?
How can we, as consumers, make better choices when selecting sportswear?
Why is it important to know where and how our clothes are made?
What are some ways we can help improve the working conditions for people in the sportswear industry?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by explaining the global supply chain in simple terms and discuss the journey of a single piece of sportswear from conception to completion. Encourage critical thinking by asking your child how they feel about the information and what actions they think could make a difference. Share your own thoughts and decisions regarding ethical consumption to model reflective practices. Reinforce the importance of empathy by discussing the lives and challenges of workers in other countries. Lastly, emphasize the power of collective consumer action and how every small choice adds up to larger impact.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Global Interconnectivity
Explanation: The book explores how the sportswear industry spans across various countries, illustrating the interconnected nature of global markets.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate how products they use daily are a result of collaborative global efforts, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: Importance of Ethical Consumerism
Explanation: It highlights the conditions under which sportswear is made, including labor practices, prompting discussions about ethics in business.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about where their belongings come from and the importance of supporting fair and ethical business practices.
Example Lesson: Awareness of Environmental Impact
Explanation: The narrative touches on the environmental consequences of mass production in the sportswear industry.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sustainability and the environmental impact of their choices, empowering them to make eco-friendly decisions.
Example Lesson: Value of Transparency
Explanation: The book advocates for more transparency in the sportswear industry regarding sourcing and labor conditions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of honesty and transparency in all aspects of life, promoting integrity as a core value.
Example Lesson: Civic Responsibility
Explanation: By revealing the complexities of the global supply chain, the book encourages readers to think about their role as consumers in a global economy.
Real-World Application: Educates children on their impact as consumers and encourages active participation in community and economic matters from a young age.