Introduction
This reflection paper aims to delve into diversity equality and structural inequality in the U.S. or the global sphere as influenced by a particular product. We study the life cycle of this product in a bid to understand how it has impacted these aspects of society. This paper will also examine my standpoints and encounters regarding the product’s influences on diversity, equality, and structural inequality. To gain a complete understanding of all the social consequences that are associated with the selected product, it is necessary to synthesize course material with external sources.
Product Selection and Life Cycle Analysis
My analysis focuses on fast fashion’s effect on equality, diversity, and structural inequality. Fast fashion means prompt manufacturing and consumption of cheap clothes resulting from the product’s trends and short life-cycle. Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 are some of the big names in the industry that have become global. Fast fashion’s life cycle begins when clothes are made in low-wage countries, mainly in Asia and Latin America, where labor costs are much cheaper. Afterward, these garments are taken to different stores globally and retailed at prices many consumers can afford. Nevertheless, this advantageous process has broader implications for structural inequality, diversity, and equality.
Impact on Diversity
Fast fashion has positive and negative impacts on diversity. However, it also creates a sense of inclusiveness by allowing people from all walks of life to have trendy clothes at low prices, making the fashion industry available to everyone. In addition, fast fashion companies often cooperate with designers from various cultural backgrounds, thus blending styles and exposing different fashion inspirations (Long & Nasiry, 2022). However, Sagapova et al. (2022) also note that the fast fashion industry creates a stereotype of beauty and fashion that can make some people feel like outsiders. The focus on trends and quick replacement of clothes encourages a uniformity that suppresses individuality and originality. This, in turn, results in innate representation and limited options for those who fall outside the industry’s constricted fashion perspective.
Impact on Equality
The effect of fast fashion on equality is intricate. For instance, it provides cheap dress options for the underprivileged, hence creating a balance in affording the fashion trends to all (Ban, 2020). This promotes economic equality by making fashion accessible to a broader consumer base. Fast fashion is known for exploiting cheap labor in developing countries. This has led to underpayment, long hours, and poor working environments. Ultimately, it makes the global gap wider as only the wealthy owners and shareholders benefit through the profits while the workers remain impoverished.
Structural Inequality
The fast fashion industry upholds structural inequalities within the industry itself. Most of the workers are females, many immigrants or part of disadvantaged social class groups. These employees are frequently subjected to unfair labor practices like low wages and few growth opportunities. The industry’s hierarchy perpetuates power imbalances, with a select few individuals at the top having all decision-making powers.
Personal Reflection
As a consumer, I have helped the fast fashion market to flourish. I have bought garments without considering how they might have harmed others or the environment. Since then, I have become more conscious of sustainable and ethical brands for clothes and the significance of mindful buying. Moreover, I acknowledge the benefit of being able to afford more sustainable and ethically produced clothes. This enables me to campaign for change and back efforts that enforce reasonable labor and ecological sustainability in the fashion sector.
Conclusion
Fast fashion analysis concerning diversity equality and structural inequality indicates positive and negative outcomes. Nonetheless, the business endeavors to offer cheap, fashionable items and inclusivity; it also sustains similarity, exploits labor, and sustains structural unevennesses. We can become catalysts for change when we choose to be consumers who support fair labor practices by buying from ethical and sustainable fashion brands. This will be facilitated by being watchful about what to buy, and consumerism is a conscious raising of awareness on consumer choices that promote equitable diversity,e, the fashion industry.
References
Ban, L. (2020). Sustainable solutions for fashion design: adjusting the fashion design process for a more sustainable industry. DOI: 10.7176/ADS/81-03
Long, X., & Nasiry, J. (2022). Sustainability in the fast fashion industry. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 24(3), 1276-1293. https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.1054
Sagapova, N., Buchtele, R., & Dušek, R. (2022). The Fashion Industry and its Problematic Consequences in the Green Marketing Era a Review. In SHS Web of Conferences (Vol. 135, p. 01011). EDP Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202213501011
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