Responsabilità sociale dei consumatori e capitale sociale internazionale: il caso del commercio equo e solidale

Fair trade is one of the most recent and interesting experiments of (socially responsible consumption) based grassroot development initiatives with which the civil society tries to complement sustainable development endeavours of governments and international institutions. Fair trade schemes recognise that market transactions of marginalised producers in the South of the world in some specific industries (food, craftsmanship) occur in a framework of unequal bargaining power. They therefore aim to promote inclusion of marginalised and poor farmers in the international markets, via consumption and trade, through a package of benefits which include anti-cyclical mark-ups on prices, long-term relationship, credit facilities and business angel consultancy aimed at capacity building. The development of international social capital, intended as the strengthening of trust and social ties between importers and marginalized producers is one of fair trade pillars in that importers recognize that the success of their venture depends on the avoidance of opportunistic behavior and on the joint effort and sharing of information and skills which can be only fostered and stimulated by a high level of reciprocal trust.

Leonardo Becchetti, Responsabilità sociale dei consumatori e capitale sociale internazionale: il caso del commercio equo e solidale in "SOCIOLOGIA DEL LAVORO " 102/2006, pp , DOI: