27th February 2009
Fashion students to create a more ethical industry
Research commissioned by Fashioning an Ethical Industry has found that more than two thirds of fashion students questioned were committed to making fashion more ethical when they enter the industry . Students are concerned about a wide range of ethical issues with almost three quarters of respondents highlighting workers’ rights, child labour, producer wages and sweatshops as particular areas of concern. Fashion students are more aware than ever that changing the way the industry currently operates - where the pursuit of profit is frequently put before human and environmental rights - will be tough, but they are thirsty for change: “In reality to meet (business) targets you have to buy cheaply, but hopefully if I become successful I will be able to have more impact” (fashion buying student).
If the often exploitative fashion industry is to find its ethical way, it is essential that fashion students become aware of the role they can play in improving labour standards. The research has demonstrated that both fashion tutors and students are hungry for change. Almost 40% of students now feel their tutors are actively engaging them in ethical issues, 20% more than three years ago. However, students highlighted the need for more resources and curriculum development around ethics, with more than 40% saying there was ‘little’ information about ethics on their courses.
Back to news
