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Power dynamics between the global North and South: The case of fair trade policies (Student Project with Field Research)

ABOUT THE PROJECT
STAFF
PARTNERS
EVENTS
RESULTS
This project will explore power relations in the global trade, with particular emphasis on the fair trade system. Students will analyse whether and how fair trade policies reduce global inequalities between countries in the global North and South, or whether they perpetuate certain forms of economic dependence in a new form. In doing so, they will:
  • examine the role of certification bodies (e.g. the Fairtrade International system),
  • analyse the political representation of producers from Latin America and East Africa,
  • raziskovali vpliv standardov, potrošniških preferenc in okoljskih zahtev pridelavo oz izdelavo,
  • examine the importance of cooperatives as a democratic and sustainable economic practice.
Special emphasis will be placed on analysing global value chains and issues of representation, decision-making, and standard-setting in the fair trade system. Students will carry out the project according to the principles of:
  • problem-based and global learning,
  • interdisciplinary cooperation (political science, sociology, communication studies, European studies),
  • field research (interviews, document analysis, trade flow analysis),
  • preparation of research tasks and policy briefs.
They will develop analytical, research, advocacy, and communication skills, and formulate concrete proposals to improve sustainable and fairer trade practices. As part of the project, students will also address the environmental aspects of global trade, particularly carbon footprint reduction, sustainable production, and the transition to a circular economy. In doing so, they will contribute to understanding the link between fair trade, cooperatives, and sustainable development, and develop solutions to strengthen social and environmental responsibility. As part of the project, students will prepare:
  • fair trade policy analyses,
  • research tasks,
  • policy briefs,
  • awareness-raising posters and online articles,
  • proposals for incorporating content into the study process.
The project will thus link academic knowledge with real challenges in the working environment and contribute to the development of young people's skills for work in sustainable development, the social economy, and fair trade.
Prof. dr. Tomaž Deželan
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences
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Živa Lopatič
Cooperative for Development and Education BUNA
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Sabina Otoničar
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Social Sciences
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Following the conclusion of the project, students continued their research into power relations, fair trade and inclusion in Sicily.

Following the formal conclusion of the project ‘Power Relations between the Global North and South: Examples of Fair-Trade Policies’, the students, together with their mentors, continued their research with field visits to three organisations in Sicily, where they explored fair trade, power relations, working conditions, ethical supply chains and social inclusion in practice. Visits to the organisations LAeQua, Fratantonio and L’Arcolaio extended the project’s research and learning activities beyond its official conclusion, enabling students to connect their preliminary findings to the organisations’ specific practices and gain new starting points for further research.
Presentation of the results of the project Power dynamics between the global North and South: The case of fair trade policies

The students presented their findings and discussed them with their classmates and both mentors.

First Kickoff Meeting for the Project Power dynamics between the global North and South: The case of fair-trade policies

At the first introductory meeting for the project, the students were briefed on the project plan, its phases, and the working methods.

Working in the project Power dynamics between the global North and South: The case of fair-trade policies

Together with both mentors, the students discussed the political dimensions of producer representation, standard-setting, and the influence of certification bodies, and began preparing drafts of their research projects.

Invitation for students to participate in the project Power dynamics between the global North and South: The case of fair trade policies
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