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Absolute And Comparative Advantage

Decent Essays

Chapters twenty and twenty-one went over the relationship of international markets in a global economy. In an increasingly interconnected world, global trade has caused countries to shift to specializations in their markets. Therefore, raising average wages due to increased productivity. Countries can have absolute or comparative advantages in a certain market. As written in the text, an example of absolute advantage would be Saudi Arabia in the oil industry. This is because they have such an abundance of easily assessable oil very few countries can complete in that market. A comparative advantage is when a country can produce a product at a much lower cost. Comparative advantage is a balance of opportunity cost that leads a nation to specialized in a specific market. Comparative advantage can also be gained through the exploitation of workers or practices that are severity destructive to the environment. To protect a nations cultural, economic, and social interest a country will use tariffs, import quotas, and non-tariff barriers to deter domestic companies from purchasing goods from counties who practice unpleasant or morally object able methods, such as child labor. Capitalism and the associated mind set has been the greatest motivation, yet becoming a set back, truly a double edge sword. Where Capitalism has pushed the US and companies to become the best and most powerful, it has taught Americas to achieve success at all cost, even the welfare of others. It is a known fact that workers are exploited in the making of US imports. Kristof and Wudunn speak of their personal experience in Thailand with the textile factories. They spoke to a father, Mongkal, who was proud that his 15 years old daughter had a job making products for the US, despite having a needle pierce her hand twice(2000). However, even with unsafe conditions, long hours, and comparatively low pay the people of Thailand view these jobs as great opportunities with no alternate choice. They fear the closure of such factories, as it would lead to unemployment and disparity. These factories provide thousands of workers with jobs in an area where jobs are scarce with not enough to go around. I believe that boycotting products

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