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The Factory Hierarchy in the Village: Recruitments Networks and Labour Control in Kong Pisei District of Cambodia

Author

Listed:
  • Laura Prota

    (University of Salerno)

  • Melanie Beresford

    (Macquarie University)

Abstract

Most analyses of the garment value chain begin at the factory production line. We approach the value chain instead from the perspective of the village community from which workers are recruited. In our Cambodian case study, we show that the factory’s hierarchical relationships are replicated within the village. Using network analysis we find that recruitment networks are largely controlled by factory supervisors and can become a mechanism of control over the labour force. We further show that the factory hierarchy can influence the pattern of capital accumulation and economic change within the village. Our results demonstrate that the value chain cannot be treated as if it ends at the factory floor. Moreover, corporate social responsibility policies, whether state, corporate or buyer-instigated, cannot by themselves eliminate‘sweatshop’ conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Laura Prota & Melanie Beresford, 2012. "The Factory Hierarchy in the Village: Recruitments Networks and Labour Control in Kong Pisei District of Cambodia," Institutions and Economies (formerly known as International Journal of Institutions and Economies), Faculty of Economics and Administration, University of Malaya, vol. 4(3), pages 103-122, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:umk:journl:v:4:y:2012:i:3:p:103-122
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Cambodia; garment industry; labour control; recruitment networks; value chain;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J8 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Standards

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