What Difference Does Difference Make?

In: Review of international political economy: RIPE, Band 1, Heft 3, S. 563-570

Abstract

Ben Fine's food system (see abstract in this section of SA 43:5) is examined in relation to other systems. The distinguishing feature of food provision systems is their dependence on both the organic & the inorganic, with the organic properties of food influencing interaction between structures & tendencies. Fine points to a link between the household & agriculture as key, yet this argument is weakened through unclear discussion of: agriculture as defined by biology; vertical provisioning; the concept of "organic"; & the question of consumption. Although Fine's discussion provides imortant points for departure in a political economy of food, neither the organic nor cultural factors are taken seriously enough, leaving understanding of food provisioning systems not yet attained. 16 References. A. Cole