Rethinking Value Chains
Tackling the Challenges of Global Capitalism
Edited by Florence Palpacuer and Alistair Smith
Published
Aug 13, 2021Page count
204 pagesISBN
978-1447359173Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Aug 13, 2021Page count
204 pagesISBN
978-1447359180Imprint
Policy Press
Rethinking Value Chains
EPUB and EPDF available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.
Today, production processes have become fragmented with a range of activities divided among firms and workers across borders. These global value chains are being strongly promoted by international organisations, such as the World Bank and the World Trade Organization, but social and political backlash is mounting in a growing variety of forms.
This ambitious volume brings together academics and activists from Europe to address the social and environmental imbalances of global production. Thinking creatively about how to reform the current economic system, this book will be essential reading for those interested in building sustainable alternatives at local, regional and global levels.
"A unique combination of academic and practitioner perspectives on challenging issues in global value chains. It covers key conceptual and campaign topics – of great interest to academic and policy audiences." Stephanie Barrientos, University of Manchester
"This book embodies new research insights from the activist tradition of global value chain scholarship. It will be essential to tackle the tough challenges of contemporary global capitalism." Gary Gereffi, Duke University
“Written by top scholars and activists, this outstanding collection fills important gaps in the GVC literature. It is theoretically deep yet highly accessible, with insightful case studies of strategies for greater equity in the global economy.” Mark Sebastian Anner, Pennsylvania State University
Florence Palpacuer is Professor in Management Studies at the University of Montpellier.
Alistair Smith is the International Coordinator of Banana Link.
Introduction: Rethinking value chains in times of crisis - Florence Palpacuer and Alistair Smith
Part 1: Mounting issues in the governance of global value chains
1. Global production networks: the state, power and politics - Martin Hess
2. Global inequality chains: how global value chains and wealth chains (re)produce inequalities of wealth - Liam Campling and Clair Quentin
3. Orchestrating environmental sustainability in a world of global value chains - Stefano Ponte
4. Trade policy for fairer and more equitable global value chains - Louise Curran and Jappe Eckhardt
Part 2: Strengthening the role of people and democracy
5. Civil society action towards judiciary changes in the regulation of global value chains - Marilyn Croser
6. Assessing the economic, social and environmental impacts of global value chains as a tool for change - Christophe Alliot
7. Worker- and small farmer-led strategies to engage lead firms in responsible sourcing - Alistair Smith
8. Empowering local communities in their struggle for land and rights - Eloïse Maulet
Conclusion: Pondering the future of global value chains - Florence Palpacuer and Alistair Smith
