The Darjeeling Distinction
Labor and Justice on Fair-Trade Tea Plantations in India
Format:Paperback
Publisher:University of California Press
Published:7th Mar '14
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In The Darjeeling Distinction, Sarah Besky explores the lives of tea workers in Northeast India, examining the complexities of fair trade amidst historical and political struggles.
Nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Northeast India, Darjeeling is renowned for producing some of the finest and most expensive tea in the world. However, it is also the epicenter of a violent movement advocating for regional autonomy, a struggle that has its roots in the colonial era. In The Darjeeling Distinction, Sarah Besky provides a nuanced ethnographic account that delves into the lives of tea workers in this unique region. She examines how concepts of fairness, value, and justice have evolved alongside the rise of fair-trade practices and the complexities of postcolonial separatist politics.
This groundbreaking work is the first to investigate the dynamics of fair-trade within the context of large-scale plantations. Besky's research reveals the intricate ways in which tea workers navigate their lives amidst shifting economic and political landscapes. Readers from diverse fields—such as anthropology, sociology, geography, environmental studies, and food studies—will find valuable insights into how plantation life is transforming as Darjeeling seeks to adapt its signature commodity for the modern consumer.
The Darjeeling Distinction challenges prevailing fair-trade policies and practices, highlighting the often-overlooked environmental, historical, and sociopolitical factors that influence the lives of those the initiatives aim to assist. Through her compelling narrative, Besky invites readers to reconsider the implications of fair trade and its impact on the communities it intends to support.
"Provides an important ethnographic contribution to the implications of long-distance trade and the deconstruction of different visions of justice in ethical trade." -- Julia Poerting Mountain Research and Development "This richly detailed ethnography provides unique and important insights into the 21st century plantation economy.; Impressive field work." -- Kristin Plys International Journal of Comparative Sociology "Engaging ... The Darjeeling distinction is an important critique ... a vital and timely comment on the burgeoning ethical trade." -- Saee Haldule Social Anthropology "Extensive research ... intriguing; Besky offers insightful solutions." -- Alexandra Hatzakis Gastronomica "Besky has pushed forward several debates in sociology, anthropology, geography, and economics about the promises and perils of globalization ... impressive theoretical analysis ... essential reading." -- Jamie K. McCallumt Comparative Labor Law & Policy Journal "An excellent example of local ethnography ... an important contribution." -- Daniel Reichman American Ethnologist "The Darjeeling Distinction is a brilliant and entertaining book... Its accessible and narrative style will surely appeal to a wide audience." -- Daniel Munster Alegra Laboratory "This is an important book and one of the very few to really understand that Fair Trade is refracted through local processes, ideas, and politics... It has an important and sober message to impart." Review of Agricultural & Environmental Studies "An important book and one of the very few to really understand that Fair Trade is refracted through local processes, ideas, and politics and needs to be understood in that light. It has an important and sober message to impart." Review of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Studies
ISBN: 9780520277397
Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 20mm
Weight: 363g
264 pages