Research Proposal

It seems too often that I hear people state “everything is made in China.” Why is this? Surely the reduced cost of production seems to be the driving force, but how much do companies really save? For my research argument paper, I would like to explore outsourcing, and the production of goods overseas.
I would like to focus on the production of clothing. Although products ranging from furniture to computers are produced overseas, I think clothing is very relatable. Everyone wears clothing, and likely clothing that was not produced in the United States. I’ve always thought that the exceptional quality and materials warranted the high price of designer clothing. With companies like Burberry and Ralph Lauren producing much of their clothing in China, are you really paying for superior quality?
I feel that the outsourcing of production for American goods is not advisable for our country. Such production increases our dependency on foreign nations, and indirectly links the U.S. to foreign affairs. Foreign labor strikes and law changes will affect the goods produced for America. Not to mention the outsourcing of manufacturing jobs takes those jobs away from Americans. In a time of economic recession, it seems that America can use all of the jobs it can get its hands on. What better time than now to start bringing manufacturing jobs back to the U.S?
Not only does overseas production negatively affect the U.S. job market, it also negatively affects overseas workers. Working conditions are often not ideal, and labor laws tend to be much more lax in other countries. By providing jobs for people of other countries, we are increasing the likelihood that younger and younger workers will seek jobs.
For my research paper, I would like to learn more about the world of outsourcing. I want to learn about the labor laws that affect workers both here and overseas, and how these laws affect production. I hope to gain a better-informed opinion on the subject of outsourcing.