Fashion Industry Ethics: An Analysis of Moral Agency in Corporations

This essay critically examines whether fashion corporations can be considered moral agents within the context of the global fashion industry. It begins by identifying key ethical issues, such as sustainability concerns (water usage, carbon emissions, and waste) and labor practices in developing countries. The essay then delves into the concepts of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), differentiating between a narrow view (profit-focused, utilitarian) and a broad view (justice-based, stakeholder-oriented). The narrow view is linked to the rise of fast fashion and the challenges of consumerism, while the broad view is exemplified by companies like Zara and their sustainability initiatives. The essay assesses these CSR perspectives through ethical theory, considering the implications of consumer behavior and the limitations of ethical consumerism. Ultimately, the essay argues that while fashion brands are attempting to adopt ethical and sustainable practices, the industry has a long way to go before corporations can be considered truly moral agents due to consumer behavior and the limitations of ethical consumerism.