Fuelling global production networks with slave labour? : migrant sugar cane workers in the Brazilian ethanol GPN

McGrath, Siobhan (2013) Fuelling global production networks with slave labour? : migrant sugar cane workers in the Brazilian ethanol GPN. Geoforum, 44. pp. 32-43. ISSN 0016-7185

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Abstract

This article presents an analysis of slave labour (as it is known in Brazil) among sugar cane workers within a globalising production network. It employs the Global Production Network (GPN) framework to argue that the dynamics of production networks are fundamental to the reproduction of unfree and degrading labour in this case. First, the power exercised by buyers is a key aspect of processes resulting in slave labour. Conversely, efforts to combat slave labour have been strengthened by acknowledging and working through this power. Second, the state exercises governance within the production network rather than only providing its institutional context. Beyond these dynamics, however, wider processes are involved in making labour available on particular terms and conditions. Third, then, processes of racialisation facilitate the imposition of restrictions on workers’ mobility, degrading conditions and intensification of work. Labour is, in other words, devalued. This implies that the ways in which competing judgments over value are resolved merit as much attention in GPN analysis as is currently given to the creation, enhancement and capture of value.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Geoforum
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/core/keywords/environmentalscience/sustainableagriculture
Subjects:
?? global production networksforced labourcontemporary slaveryunfree labourdegrading workbio-fuelssustainable agriculturesociology and political sciencege environmental sciences ??
ID Code:
56311
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
24 Jul 2012 08:06
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 13:03