SOCECON 10 XB

Group 1
Ampo, Baluntang, Fontalva, Gonzales, Tadeo

American Factory

American Factory did a great job in portraying the cultural differences between China and America in the
context of workplace ethics and style. This aspect, among other reasons, encapsulates the overall message
of the documentary. Differences in this degree were able to affect the lives of thousands of workers, while
losing millions in profits. It came to the point where both sides were enduring their problems for different
reasons. The Americans are used to fair treatment and getting more for less; allowing a proper balance in
lifestyle with less work hours and a reasonable pay compensation. The Chinese on the other hand were
the opposite: they were taught to put in everything for their work, for so very little in return. Chinese
workers are forced to work 12 hours a day and they are only able to see their family once or twice a year.
However, even with clashing work styles and standards, both sides are compelled to give their best for
Fuyao, the company.

In the early years of Fuyao Glass America (FGA), it attempted to Americanize itself. It tried to adapt to
American characteristics in their factories, even going as far as to add America to the brand-name. It tried
to practice American culture in their work environment, along with having American executives in the
factory to oversee control of the workplace and factory.

The documentary gave a great, in-depth look for what it is like to be a laborer in China. As the focus
shifts to China and their work ethic, it was clear to see that the Chinese were the most efficient of the two
countries. They were focused and determined to become the best that they can be in their job, however,
they were treated much worse than their American counterparts. The workplace risks were exponentially
higher compared to American working conditions. The Chinese work with the wrong equipment, trying to
chase a near-impossible production quota, with very little breaks. Chinese workers had a focus on high
production quantities, while not getting any benefits in return. This documentary also gave great insight
into labor unions and what they stand for: it didn’t take long for the union to interfere and demand better
working conditions, just as soon as they found out about the unorthodox conditions they’d be working in.

From watching the American Factory, came the realization of the effects of foreign investment and
globalization towards the people; especially to the workers involved. With Fuyao Glass being originally
founded in China and having reached America, having both Chinese and American workers evidently
shows the gap between the two cultures, especially when it comes to work ethics, values, and other
factors.

As the interactions between the two different cultures continue in the factory, various circumstances also
arise: such as the misunderstandings and work performances between the Chinese and the Americans. For
example, the Chinese work like clockwork machines, whereas the Americans work just enough to make a
living. The stagnating wages from the glass productions due to the rise of technology in the industry also
affect worker performance and safety; this has caused more divide between the employees since some of
them also start to demand for the policy in hopes for change concerning the factory. However, the issue
goes farther than just mere values, as workplace politics also come into the scene: some of the employees
believe that a labor union should be implemented to create a more fair and righteous environment to work
in.

The documentary shows what can happen with globalization in the manufacturing industries, such as
FGA, and its effects worldwide and to society. It gives better understanding when it comes to learning the
effects of globalization and how it is deeply connected to economics, politics, and social relations. One





 must be greatly knowledgeable towards the differences between other cultures and their working
conditions before entering the business industry to avoid any conflict that can greatly affect the
employees, the company’s profit, and the industry as a whole. The documentary also shows the cruel
reality of globalization. Many countries see economic growth as a result of globalization, however, this
benefits the rich more than it does the poor. Rich countries increase the imports of manufactured goods,
and globalization has enriched their markets and economies, from the exploitation of low-skilled labor.

While globalization promotes unity, there is always a cultural and work ethics gap that needs to be
addressed. As a result of these lapses, there could be increased competition within the workforce. This
includes competition in technology used for the quality of goods and services, and the efficient use of
information and knowledge. However, most of these organizations are also competing for international
leadership or even political leadership. To stay competitive, markets are forced to lower their prices, that
could affect their profits and the welfare of their workers. Competition within globalization is not always
an advantage. Global cooperation is really vital as they need to connect for them to create a good work
environment that can benefit the workers as well.

American Factory showed us another aspect of Globalization. It showed us that integrating this much this
fast is worrisome, in more ways than one. There needs to be proper regulations when it comes to a
massive cross-cultural project of this degree; it is evident that it was a failure at the start. How it was
envisioned and the direction it was going, the format was bound to fail. It dealt with too much at hand,
and as much as most of the drawbacks the documentary focused on the livelihood of the workers affected,
economically, the trickle effect was just as significant. What was equally alarming was the abrupt switch
to automation in keeping the investment alive. Seeing the efficacy of these machines, how will
employment be affected in the future? It’s not looking very well.

American Factory also shows us how abusive and indifferent the Capitalist system is: corporations such
as the one shown in the documentary would go through lengths to increase pro t and avoid losses. Even
going as far as to downright abuse and neglect their own workforce. The documentary also shows the
failure that is trickle-down capitalism — it demonstrates how much the Chinese people would be
overworked, only for them to live paycheck to paycheck —while their bosses just accumulate more
wealth.


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