For Better or for Worse?: the Impact of Middlemen on the Labour Rights of Female Informal Workers in Global Value Chains

Global Value Chain shows an asymmetrical scene: some enjoy participating international markets, others are faced with precarious situation, and enormous gap between people which spans all countries. Female informal workers struggle with cruel working conditions, they do not have social protection, nor even peace of mind. Inequality is no longer necessary any more. Middlemen play a role as a bridge, while upgrading is the key to compete in the chain. How do both parameters engage to ensure that they achieve secure conditions for informal workers? Whether external standards and corporate social responsibility take the initiative to play a key role or not? This book analyzes potential methods that female informal workers can improve their working conditions.