In-Class Essay Prompt
About thirty years ago, American companies began moving their manufacturing to poor developing countries like Mexico, China and India; later call centers, which handle customer service, and back office jobs, followed manufacturing. In the last ten years, highly skilled jobs in information technology (IT), computer programming, and product design have also moved abroad.
Outsourcing offers companies a large qualified workforce willing to work for lower wages and often more lenient environmental and safety regulations for factories. However, its seemingly limitless potential, along with other factors, has sparked fiery public debates. Its increasing popularity as a business practice has coincided with a decrease in the normal rate of job creation in the United States as well as an increase in the unemployment and poverty rates.
Where do you stand on this issue? Do you think American companies should continue the practice of outsourcing? Why or why not? Drawing on your personal experience and observations, write an essay in which you defend your position on this issue. Make sure you support your position with reasons, explanations, and examples.
