Gender (In)Equality in the Bangladeshi Readymade Garment Sector: A Systematic Review

Published in International and Comparative Corporate Law Journal, Volume 13, Issue 3, year 2019

University of Oslo Faculty of Law Research Paper No. 2020-23

40 Pages Posted: 18 Sep 2020

See all articles by Martine Bosman

Martine Bosman

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Aikaterini Argyrou

Utrecht University, School of Law; Nyenrode Business University

Tineke Lambooy

Utrecht University School of Law

Sam Solaimani

Nyenrode Business University

Date Written: September 17, 2020

Abstract

This article is a literature review in which a comprehensive understanding is developed of the multiple and contemporary facets of the problem of gender inequality in international supply chains of ready-made garments (RMG). The main focus of the study is on the RMG manufacturing sector in Bangladesh, since this sector represents a hub in international RMG supply chains. The issue of gender inequality in the RMG sector represents a main concern of NGOs, the OECD, the ILO, national governments, international buyers and brands, and other stakeholders. Using a structured literature review method, literature is selected from various international academic sources in a systemic way. The selected literature is analysed by employing Lessig’s analytical framework, developed as the New Chicago School. The authors apply this framework to identify which forces and constraints influence the situation of gender inequality in the Bangladeshi garment sector. The influencing factors are organised in the four categories acknowledged by Lessig: law, cultural norms, market and architecture. Through this lens of a regulatory ecology approach, various types of constraints are identified that need to be addressed in order to solve the issue of gender inequality in the RMG industry in Bangladesh. In addition,the Capabilities Theory of Martha Nussbaum provides a basis for the discussion on how to improve the situation of female garment workers in Bangladesh. Accordingly, this research contributes to a holistic and institutional understanding of the options of how to improve the status of gender equality in the Bangladeshi RMG sector. The options discussed cover legal, regulatory and semi-legal instruments and market behaviour of local RMG companies, international buyers and brands, NGOs and unions.

Suggested Citation

Bosman, Martine and Argyrou, Aikaterini and Lambooy, Tineke and Solaimani, Sam, Gender (In)Equality in the Bangladeshi Readymade Garment Sector: A Systematic Review (September 17, 2020). Published in International and Comparative Corporate Law Journal, Volume 13, Issue 3, year 2019, University of Oslo Faculty of Law Research Paper No. 2020-23, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3694329

Martine Bosman

affiliation not provided to SSRN

Aikaterini Argyrou

Utrecht University, School of Law ( email )

Utrecht
Netherlands

Nyenrode Business University ( email )

Straatweg 25
P.O. Box 130
Breukelen, 3620 AC
Netherlands

Tineke Lambooy (Contact Author)

Utrecht University School of Law ( email )

3508 TC Utrecht
Utrecht
Netherlands

Sam Solaimani

Nyenrode Business University ( email )

Straatweg 25
P.O. Box 130
Breukelen, 3620 AC
Netherlands

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