Should Christians support Fair Trade? The question itself is a loaded one -- as if those who don't somehow support "unfair trade."
We need to be vigilant against exploitative labor practices and slave labor, and for this the Fair Trade movement should be commended. Perhaps too, Fair Trade has genuinely helped some farmers by ensuring better information and providing more secure credit channels. But even for those farmers benefiting from fair trade, any long term success seems to rely on its remaining fashionable among intellectuals and the American and European consumer -- both fickle lots. Like so many of the anti-market plans that have come and gone, Fair Trade will likely hurt the poor rather than helping them.
The best way to create opportunities and sustainable long-term growth are not faddish movements like Fair Trade, but the same institutions that enabled the West to grow rich: secure private property, the rule of law, and free exchange. When these are in place, trade becomes fair, more people benefit from trade, and the truly fair market unleashes the entrepreneurial spirit that is the source of wealth and prosperity.
Free trade and markets have lifted more people out of poverty than all the fashionable political movements loaded with good intentions but pernicious consequences. This is something to think about next time we are in Starbucks and feeling sanctimonious about our cup of coffee.
2 comments:
BY far this is the most ignorant article I have ever read. To even question a system of cheating is deplorable. You don't do something fairly because it is just beneficial, you do it because it is the RIGHT thing to do!
I'm not sure what you mean by "...a system of cheating...". Of course you do something because it is right, but the argument that fair trade is "right" is what is at question. If it does not work (i.e. actually help the poor in the long term), then it isn't right. Please elaborate further on your criticism of the article. I don't think I understand your point.
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