gess308

What does the chapter 'A Shirt in the Market' explore?

The chapter tells the story of a shirt, tracing the journey from cotton production to the sale in the supermarket, examining how various participants benefit from this process.

Why did Swapna sell her cotton to the trader instead of the Kurnool cotton market?

Swapna had borrowed money from the trader for cultivation and was made to promise to sell all her cotton to him, leaving her with no choice.

What challenges do small farmers like Swapna face according to the chapter?

Small farmers often incur heavy expenses and must borrow money for cultivation, which leads to dependence on traders who may pay low prices.

What is the 'putting-out system' as described in the lecture?

It is a system where merchants supply raw materials to weavers who then produce finished cloth, which is sold back to the merchants.

How do weavers benefit from cooperatives?

Cooperatives allow weavers to combine resources to procure yarn collectively and reduce reliance on merchants, often leading to better pricing.

What pressure do garment exporting factories face from foreign buyers?

They face pressure for low prices, high quality standards, and timely delivery, pushing factories to cut costs and maximize profits.

How are wages structured in the garment exporting factory?

Wages vary based on skill, with tailors earning the highest and temporary workers earning less for tasks like ironing and packaging.

What does the profit structure look like for the businessperson selling shirts in a supermarket?

The businessperson purchases the shirts at a set price, incurs advertising and storage costs, and sells at a markup to maximize profit.

In the market, who benefits the most according to the chapter?

Foreign businesspersons and garment exporters make significant profits, while workers and small farmers earn much less.

What role do the government and cooperatives play in ensuring fair wages for workers?

The government may buy cloth at fair prices to support cooperatives, helping ensure that workers earn more than they would through traditional merchant arrangements.