Business and development – Towards re-politicisation
This paper proposes a heuristic model that aims to render more visible tensions concerning the role of the invisible hand of the market with respect to development. Fair trade is used as an exemplar to explore the relevance of this model, highlighting the tensions apparent in using the market, particularly instruments such as standards and certificates as a vehicle to promote development. It concludes by highlighting the need to hold open and to value the space of politicisation and contestation in the relationship between business and development, if business is to contribute to the more systemic and radical aspirations that underlie development.
TO CITE THIS ARTICLE:
2009 Business and development - Towards re-politicisation Journal of International Development 21 819-833
Draws on paper at conference of Development Studies Association, November 2008