Economic and Social Upgrading in Global Production Networks: A New Paradigm for a Changing World

22 Pages Posted: 18 Jan 2012 Last revised: 4 May 2014

See all articles by Stephanie Barrientos

Stephanie Barrientos

The University of Manchester

G. Gereffi

Duke University - Department of Sociology - Director, Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness

Arianna Rossi

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Date Written: September 30, 2011

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Global production networks, global value chains, economic and social upgrading

Suggested Citation

Barrientos, Stephanie and Gereffi, Gary and Rossi, Arianna, Economic and Social Upgrading in Global Production Networks: A New Paradigm for a Changing World (September 30, 2011). International Labour Review, Vol. 150 (2011), No. 3-4., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1987620

Stephanie Barrientos (Contact Author)

The University of Manchester ( email )

Oxford Road
Manchester, N/A M13 9PL
United Kingdom

Gary Gereffi

Duke University - Department of Sociology - Director, Center on Globalization, Governance & Competitiveness ( email )

Box 90088
Durham, NC 27708-0204
United States
919-660-5880 (Phone)
919-684-2855 (Fax)

Arianna Rossi

International Labour Organization (ILO)

Route des Morillons 4
Geneva, 1211
Switzerland

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
428
Abstract Views
2,122
Rank
125,097
PlumX Metrics