TAL episode, Chapters 20 & 21

In chapter 20 of 'The Globalization Reader', Fallows, the author, argues that China's rise in power has reshaped its entire country and global wealth. The readings tell us that China has grown so much over the last few decades with its technology, factories, and economy. While many US citizens are aware that this is going on, he emphasizes that the seizure of control has been affecting a global sense, not just a national sense. The author gave examples, one of which is the monumental productions China has worked on for the Pearl River Delta. It's the world's largest and most densely populated area globally. Its population growth has been skyrocketing, prompting China to take action. Chapter 20 also talks about the human aspect of China's industrial boom. Fallows explained how women commute far to work, and work extra long hours just to make enough money. Factory life isn't easy, and can be dangerous. Though some individuals need the money to survive on basic needs. Overall, this chapter summarizes how China, over the past few decades, has become integral to globalization. 

Chapter 21 describes how GCC's (Global Commodity Chains) have established, produced, distributed, and organized globally. In the early 1900's, the United States saw an increase in shoe purchases. A large number of this was driven by teenagers and young adults who were into fitness and staying active. The article also talked about how Nike has been established. Its products are designed by companies here in the US, then sent to Asian countries like China, where they are made to be shipped back to the US for retail. They do this to rely on cheaper overseas labor while also increasing profits. 

When listening to 'The American Life Podcast: Act 2: Dreams of a Distant Factories', I felt like the main point the podcast was trying to tell readers was that Cambodia has been through a lot. They struggled very early on; 1 in 2 million died during the civil war for their country, the middle class was slaughtered, and they were experiencing a huge drought. Then, after a while, the country was able to get back on its feet and began opening garment factories. These factories were the key to Cambodia's success. Those employed got very high pay rates, even higher than what a police officer or a teacher made. They were given many vacation days, roughly 3 months of maternity leave, and an increase in salaries. Everything was going very well for Cambodia, until 2005 when the US cut the system Cambodia was attached to. The country was left in an awkward situation. Cambodia's poor and fragile economy began competing with larger, stronger economies.