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Postcolonial Perspectives on Global Production Networks: Insights from Flower Valley in South Africa

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  • Alex Hughes

    (School of Geography, Politics and Sociology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, England)

  • Cheryl McEwan
  • David Bek

Abstract

This paper proposes dialogue between postcolonial theory and the analytical frameworks of global value chains (GVCs) and global production networks (GPNs). It does so in order to open up more culturally sensitive accounts of global supply networks and exporting localities than those provided by prevailing political-economic approaches. Particular focus is placed on Zein-Elabdin's postcolonial notion of economic hybridity to advance understanding of the institutional contexts shaping production networks. The value of applying this concept to GVC/GPN studies is illustrated in the case of a sustainable wildflower harvesting supply network in South Africa's Western Cape, which supplies ethically promoted bouquets to domestic and European markets. Transnational cultural politics, including those associated with colonial encounters, are shown to shape the hybrid institutional context of this production network. It is suggested that such a perspective on institutional hybridity offers just one fruitful conversation between postcolonial approaches and GVC/GPN frameworks.

Suggested Citation

  • Alex Hughes & Cheryl McEwan & David Bek, 2015. "Postcolonial Perspectives on Global Production Networks: Insights from Flower Valley in South Africa," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 47(2), pages 249-266, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envira:v:47:y:2015:i:2:p:249-266
    DOI: 10.1068/a130083p
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eiman O. Zein-Elabdin, 2009. "Economics, postcolonial theory and the problem of culture: institutional analysis and hybridity," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 33(6), pages 1153-1167, November.
    2. Ray Hudson, 2008. "Cultural political economy meets global production networks: a productive meeting?," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 8(3), pages 421-440, May.
    3. John Humphrey & Hubert Schmitz, 2002. "How does insertion in global value chains affect upgrading in industrial clusters?," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(9), pages 1017-1027.
    4. Neil M. Coe & Martin Hess, 2005. "The internationalization of retailing: implications for supply network restructuring in East Asia and Eastern Europe," Journal of Economic Geography, Oxford University Press, vol. 5(4), pages 449-473, August.
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