Research

Half a Cheer for Fair Trade (web publication)


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Research

Analyses the causes of corruption and offers some solutions.

Economic Theory

An accessible overview of the economic approach to law, introducing cost-benefit analysis, public choice theory and property rights perspectives.

A critical examination of the fair trade movement

https://iea.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/upldbook408pdf.pdf
In the twenty-sixth IEA Current Controversies Paper, Philip Booth and Linda Whetstone critically examine the arguments of the fair trade movement.

The fair trade movement claims that the products it provides are sourced “justly” and that purchasing fair trade products brings economic benefits for the poor. Whilst it is clear that fair trade might bring some benefits to particular groups, whether it brings significant net benefits to the poor in general is questionable. Moreover, the claim that fair trade transactions are more “just” cannot be substantiated. Customers also might be surprised to learn that the majority of the Fairtrade Foundation’s income is spent on promoting its own brand.

2007, Current Controversies 26

See also: The Poverty of Development Economics by Deepak Lal.

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