Economic And Social Upgrading In Global Production Networks: A New Paradigm For A Changing World
Barrientos Stephanie, 2011
Name of publisher/editor
International Labour Review
Co-author
Gary GEREFFI , Arianna ROSSI
Geographic area
Africa
Summary & key words
A key challenge in promoting decent work worldwide is how to improve the position of both firms and workers in value chains and global production networks driven by lead firms. This article develops a framework for analysing the linkages between the economic upgrading of firms and the social upgrading of workers. Drawing on studies which indicate that firm upgrading does not necessarily lead to improvements for workers, with a particular focus on the Moroccan garment industry, it outlines different trajectories and scenarios to provide a better understanding of the relationship between economic and social upgrading.