The lack of alternatives in the developing world helps blur the line between exploitation and opportunity. The relationship between authoritarian governments and powerful companies promises to be an explosive political issue well into the 21st century. The 8,800 workers create shoes nearly from scratch. The South Korean-owned factory imports only the raw materials. Workers in the chemical plant stretch and flatten huge gobs of raw rubber on heavy-duty rollers.
Cutters trim sheets of nylon, leather and other fabric for the uppers.
Stitchers sew the uppers into place. Skilled metal workers mill steel molds that bake the three-dimensional outsoles. Assembly line workers glue together the various components. Workers even lace and box the shoes. The factory works with amazing efficiency, especially considering that many of the workers are in the first industrial jobs of their lives.