This documentary from 1980 depicts a factory community in China where over 6000 workers process, spin and weave raw cotton into 90 million yards of high-quality cloth per year. Also seen are the workers' residential, social, recreational and educational facilities, all located on factory property. The film presents an engrossing study of a lifestyle that is very different from that of the Western world.
Ages 14 to 17
Diversity - Diversity in Communities
History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present)
Have a discussion with students about the lifestyle depicted in this film. Would students agree that this factory is its own little world where there is never a need to go beyond its gates? One can get everything there, from daycare to a university-level education. In a written response, have students write why it would be appealing to work at this place and why it wouldn't. The teacher should arrange an outing for the class to visit a textile factory so students can see the spinning and weaving of a raw material into a finished product.