Postcard from Chittagong: wish you were here?

作者：George Cairns · 发表于：Critical Perspectives on International Business · 年份：2007 · DOI：10.1108/17422040710775030 · 被引用次数：22 · 研究领域：Marine and Offshore Engineering Studies、Water Governance and Infrastructure

Purpose This paper, first, seeks to bring a discussion of the ship‐breaking industry of Bangladesh and other “less developed economies” (LDEs) into the academic arena, since almost no mention of it can be found in a journal database search. Second, in engaging with the multiple representations of the industry in a range of other media, from government and NGO documents, television and press reports, to photography and books, it seeks to contribute to discourse which considers the multiple stories of, amongst others, ship owners, environmentalists, journalists, photographers and, not least, those whose lives and work are the subject of others' observation – the ship‐breakers themselves. Third, it seeks to challenge a particular hegemonic “developed world” analysis of what is “good” and “bad” in relation to the industry. Design/methodology/approach This study is based upon alternative readings of secondary data, drawn from textual, photographic and video sources, in order to offer a range of interpretations. Findings From these multiple engagements, the paper seeks to show the complexity and ambiguity of the lives of those involved, and that their situation cannot be assessed by application of “developed” world notions of ethics, environmentalism, and “good” and “bad”. From this, it argues in support of ambivalence – as a contextual concern, rather than as apathy – as a necessary approach to analysis. Originality/value Attention is drawn to the lack of academic engagement with ...