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Responsible retailing: Regulating fair and ethical trade

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  • Pamela K. Robinson

    (School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University, UK)

Abstract

Deregulation in the 1980s and 1990s reaffirmed a market approach to the global trading of goods. Suggestions that this contributed to unfair terms of trade and poor labour conditions led to calls for greater corporate accountability. Following pressure to improve conditions, companies embraced a range of voluntary initiatives under the umbrella of fair and ethical sourcing. This article examines these commitments on the ground, in a global banana supply chain. Taking the case of bananas is significant because the major corporations at each end of the chain are in a potential position to orchestrate fair and ethical trade. Despite this potential for standards to be upheld, the case of bananas suggests that whilst supermarkets continue to drive down consumer prices, voluntary initiatives will fall short of their guarantees. This leads the paper to consider the policy implications of a more regulated approach to fair and equitable trade in the world's supply chains. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Suggested Citation

  • Pamela K. Robinson, 2009. "Responsible retailing: Regulating fair and ethical trade," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(7), pages 1015-1026.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:21:y:2009:i:7:p:1015-1026
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.1635
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sally Smith & Stephanie Barrientos, 2005. "Fair trade and ethical trade: are there moves towards convergence?," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 13(3), pages 190-198.
    2. Alex Hughes, 2005. "Corporate Strategy and the Management of Ethical Trade: The Case of the UK Food and Clothing Retailers," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 37(7), pages 1145-1163, July.
    3. Mark Harvey & Stephen Quilley & Huw Beyon, 2002. "Exploring the Tomato," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 2916.
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    Cited by:

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    3. Semeen, Homaira & Islam, Muhammad Azizul, 2021. "Social impact disclosure and symbolic power: Evidence from UK fair trade organizations," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 79(C).
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