Introduction
“Sweating” was an original 15th century term which was a metaphor for a severe labor exertion (Wilson, p. 1). This term got to be associated with garment work during the 1830’s (p. 1). The “sweatshop” was initially defined in the 1890s. It became popular during the 19th century as a “system of subcontracting by which rival manufacturers distributed work to contractors. These contractors, then, turned to other rival contractors and subcontractors to complete the jobs. Since fast work was required and the products were anticipated, the contractors and subcontractors would “sweat” as much labor from their workers. Under this system, the ...
