Social relations and commodity chains: the live reef fish for food trade

Fabinyi, Michael (2013) Social relations and commodity chains: the live reef fish for food trade. Anthropological Forum, 23 (1). pp. 36-57.

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View at Publisher Website: http://10.1080/00664677.2012.748645
 
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Abstract

This paper considers the relationship between anthropology and the inter-disciplinary field of commodity studies through an examination of an important commodity chain in the Asia-Pacific, the live reef fish for food trade. Using an ethnographic perspective, I focus on how particular social relationships within this commodity chain have significant implications for two key concerns of commodity studies – the distribution of benefits through commodity chains, and how commodity chains are regulated. The social relationships between fishers and traders provide a powerful avenue for relative economic prosperity for fishers, yet the forms of social relationships that operate between fishers, traders and regulators mean that regulation of the trade cannot be implemented. This analysis provides an example of how an ethnographic lens can provide a useful perspective that can contribute to an inter-disciplinary dialogue on commodity chains.

Item ID: 23282
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1469-2902
Keywords: anthropology; commodity chain; live reef fish trade; Philippines; Malaysia
Date Deposited: 08 May 2013 06:35
FoR Codes: 16 STUDIES IN HUMAN SOCIETY > 1601 Anthropology > 160101 Anthropology of Development @ 70%
05 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 0502 Environmental Science and Management > 050209 Natural Resource Management @ 30%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9607 Environmental Policy, Legislation and Standards > 960701 Coastal and Marine Management Policy @ 50%
97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970116 Expanding Knowledge through Studies of Human Society @ 50%
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