[kenesom1]

Yes, the government and the sweatshop owners are working hand-in-hand to exploit workers and both are culpable. Sometimes they like to present themselves as good cop / bad cop [0].

First, the ability to be self-sufficient is curtailed by the government through entitlements granted to a select few by the ruling class.

The Enclosures in England [1] are the canonical example. Agricultural land once used by everyone is privatized. With their livelihood threatened, the rural populations are driven to the cities to seek employment in dangerous factories.

Most industrial societies are based on this concept. The sweatshop isn't doing anyone any favors. They are simply another side of the same coin.

[0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Good_cop/bad_cop

[1] http://fff.org/explore-freedom/article/enclosure-acts-indust...