Pasupula_FieldWorkJournal

docx

School

University of Wisconsin, Madison *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

104

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by ChefThunder12484

Anthropology 104 Fieldwork Project 1 | Commodity Chain Analysis This material is the intellectual property of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. All rights reserved. Project Journal Name: Abhiram Pasupula TA Name: Marianna Krumrine Discussion Section Number: 322 Semester and Year: Fall 2023 Getting Started Welcome to your journal assignments for Fieldwork Project 1! Please add your information to this template (above), rename and save it in Microsoft Word .docx or .doc format. Make sure the filename includes your name and the name of the assignment (FWP1). (Example) FWP1 Wendy Liu.docx Submission: The project journal will be completed in several steps. You will be submitting this same journal file multiple times in different stages of writing, in response to each journal assignment below. If you do not submit the file to Canvas by the deadline you will not be awarded points for that journal assignment. For the first assignment you are only expected to complete Journal 1.1 (the others will still be blank). By the end of the project, all the assignments in your journal will be filled in. Journal 1.1 | Reading Response Instructions & Expectations Before you begin this writing assignment:  Read the article “How Sushi Went Global” by Theodore Besto r. Download PDF from Canvas.  Watch the NPR video series “Planet Money Makes A T-Shirt”. Follow links on Canvas. Write 2-4 sentences in response to each of the question below. The first question has been completed as an example. DUE DATE: This assignment needs to be completed by 11:59pm the day BEFORE your Discussion Section in Week 3 . (Example) How has the demand for tuna changed over time? Tuna has been a popular food in Japan for centuries. Today, millions of pounds of it are sold every day in Tokyo’s wholesale seafood market. In North America, sushi was a largely unheard during the early 20th century, but during late 20th century it became a trendy food in American cities, as well as in Europe and Latin America. Consuming sushi became a sign of class status, education, and taste, and so the demand for tuna grew and the price per pound became very high. 1. Describe the locations, technologies, and workers involved in producing tuna for sushi restaurants. 1 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

They turned to international suppliers for their tuna when demand and popularity of sushi became so great in Japan. Coastal nations would fish for the bluefin tuna, and was bought by the Japanese to bring back to Japan. From the equator to Newfoundland, from Turkey to the Gulf of Mexico, it is a highly migratory species. The fishermen set up an alma araba, a massive fish trap that has thousands of net placed in the Mediterranean migratory route for bluefin tuna. The tuna is sold at actions and distributed to eventually end up at the sushi restaurant in Japan and around the world. 2. How does the fact that tuna is sold internationally affect fishers’ livelihoods? Fishermen used to just sell the tuna for cat food, or throw it out in the dump if it didn’t sell. Thanks to high demand in Japan and around the world for tuna sushi, they're getting big profits now. In the hours following a price rise on the markets, or an outbreak of disease at fish farms worldwide, their livelihoods can be transformed. Even if the tuna market is located in another part of the world, because it's connected by international trade, they are affected. 3. Describe the locations, technologies, and workers involved in making a t-shirt. Using machines that automatically bail cotton, the tshit started on a Delta cotton farm in Mississippi. Cotton is transported all over the world to spinning mills, where machines convert cotton from plant to fibre. They're transported to factory in Bangladesh and Colombia where workers do heavy labor under poor conditions for cheap wages. They are then sent back to the US inshipping containers in ships, trucks, and trains. 4. Describe some of the differences between working at a t-shirt factory in Bangladesh versus Columbia. The country of Bangladesh is much poorer than Columbia. Jasmine's been working since she was 16 in Bangladesh, where she works six days a week for an average of $80 a month. Columbia is much more advanced. Doris's working in Columbia, making four times more than Jasmine. She's also feeling like she can be working outside of the industry, because in Bangladesh it's social unrest. 5. Explain how this article connects to concepts discussed in the lectures and/or to any of the OTHER courses you are taking this semester (identify the course name and number). This article doesn’t really connect to anything that I have taken, but something it does connect to me is just when I have read articles in the past about sweatshops and international production, so the description of making t shirts in Bangladesh was something that I definitely had ideas relating to it. Also, these ideas did lead into the thoughts of child labor that I had, and just the idea of whether these processes were ven legal. 6. What have you learned from the article and the video series that may be useful to you when you conduct a commodity chain study yourself? Changes on the market, even those taking place around the world, affect all industry players. It's important to know the location of every step that has taken place in this world, as well as where and how these workers live. I would appreciate it if you were able to ascertain the costs of shipping, salaries and what goods are offered for sale. Equally, it would be helpful to know how frequently changes in the market take place and what effect they have on traders and consumers. Journal 1.2 | Commodity Choice Instructions & Expectations You are going to do your own commodity chain analysis about one of the types of commodities from the list below. During your discussion section, you should have started thinking about which type of commodity will be most interesting for you to research. 2 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

 Chewing gum  Personal computer/laptop  Electric vehicle After you have selected the type of commodity, pick a specific brand of that commodity (e.g. a Hershey’s chocolate bar, a pair of Nike sneakers, etc.). Make sure to choose a specific brand that, based on your preliminary research in discussion section, appears to have relevant sources about its production available online. Remember:  Choose a commodity that will be interesting for you to explore.  Choose a commodity that, based on your preliminary research, appears to have enough relevant sources. Task Based on the work you did in discussion section, write down your choice of commodity, the specific brand, and a brief explanation of why you chose it in the space provided below. Your TA will review these and advise you which one(s) likely to be successful for your research. Please review your TA’s feedback on Canvas before proceeding with your project. DUE DATE: This assignment needs to be completed by 11:59pm the day AFTER your Discussion Section in Week 3 (e.g. if your discussion section meets on Monday, your Research Questions are due by 11:59pm on Tuesday). Commodity Choice Type of commodity Chewing Gum Brand of commodity Extra Watermelon Chewing Gum Why did you choose this commodity? (1-2 sentences) I chose this chewing gum as a commodity due to my frequent usage of this object. I usually chew this gum at least one time a day, so this prompted me to have greater interest in choosing this commodity. Journal 1.3 | Commentary on Sources Instructions & Expectations For this Journal entry you will need to find at least five sources that provide you with information about the production of your commodity. These sources should be either newspaper articles or reports written by governments or non- governmental organizations. These sources should not include editorials/opinion pieces, blog entries, or personal websites. Look at the questions for your next Journal (1.4) and use these questions to guide your research. Succeeding in your Research To find answers to these questions, begin by looking at the website for the brand you selected. What information do they have about the production of their commodity? Take notes on what you find. While you read, consider how the goals of the company may shape what information is included and how it is presented. Another obvious starting point is Wikipedia. You can read this for relevant information and ideas, but it will not count as one of your sources. 3 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

Research Tip: Articles often make reference to other articles, either in text or in their reference list (if they have one). By following up these links you can quickly expand your pool of relevant sources! Be persistent: if the first five sources you read do not allow you to sufficiently answer the questions above, read more sources! Task Include the company website, plus at least 5 more relevant sources. List them, along with a brief commentary. Write 2-4 sentences of commentary for each source:  briefly summarize its content and how it contributes to your analysis / what information it provides  also include the web address of the source DUE DATE: This assignment needs to be completed by 11:59pm the day BEFORE your Discussion Section in Week 4. Source (Title, Link and/or Publication Info) Commentary Example Commodity Chain and Coffee Prices. https://kencaf.com/commodity-chain-and-coffee-prices/ Example This webpage has some useful statistics about the production and supply of coffee. It has two graphics that helped me to better understand all the steps between the producer and the consumer, and how these are related. https://www.extragum.com/products/extra-sweet-watermelon- sugarfree-chewing-gum-15-stick-single-pack-extra-gum This webpage is the home page for all extra gum, this specific one being the 15 pack of extra gum (watermelon flavored). Here we can see the pricing of the gum, as well as where it can be purchased (retail, online, etc.) https://www.extraoralhealthcareprogram.com.au/about/about- our-company/how-gum-is-made/ This webpage seems to be a branch of extra that is partnered with many oral healthcare institutions. Here we can see the basic process for creating gum including melting, rolling, scoring, etc. https://www.designweek.co.uk/issues/28-march-3-april- 2022/wrigleys-extra-rebrand/ This article details the rebrand of Extra to Wrigley. Though it doesn’t cover any of the production aspects, it shows the changes that the gum’s overall idea went through. https://www.livestrong.com/article/154394-ingredients-in- wrigleys-extra-gum/ Details the ingredients of the gum. Shows the ingredients and what their effects/what they do for the production of the gum https://www.ghcc.com/industry-spotlight-wrigley- manufacturing-company/ Gives the history for the Wrigley Manufacturing company. This gives me insight into how these factories and production runs. Self-Assessment Ready to begin your Final Analysis & Reflection (Journal 1.4)? 4 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

Some of the questions in Journal 1.4 may be easier to answer than others -- it isn't always possible to find detailed information about every aspect of a commodity chain. Here is a self-assessment rubric to help you confirm when you've done enough research to begin the final analysis.  Do you feel like you can sufficiently answer all or most of the questions in Journal 1.4? YES or NO  If there are questions in Journal 1.4 you still feel you cannot answer, can you give a brief explanation of where and how you looked for the information, and why you think you were not able to find it? YES or NO If you answer "YES" to both questions, you are probably ready to begin! If you answer "NO" to either of these questions, look back at the sources you have and also consider looking for more sources. Journal 1.4 | Final Analysis & Reflection Instructions & Expectations Drawing on the information you learned from your sources, write your analysis & reflection by responding to each of the following questions; each response should be 150 – 250 words, unless otherwise noted . DUE DATE: This assignment needs to be completed by 11:59pm the day BEFORE your Discussion Section in Week 4 . 1. What commodity and brand did you pick? (1 sentence) I chose Extra chewing gum as the commodity that I would conduct my research on. 2. Where are the headquarters for the company that sells this commodity, and what is the company’s annual profit? (1-2 sentences) The headquarters of Wrigley Chewing Gum, the company that owns Extra, is in Chicago IL. The company’s annual profit is $4.7 billion. 3. Describe | Where do the materials for the commodity come from, and how are they produced? Extra chewing gum produces its materials from outsourcing the production. The ingredients needed are shipped in bulk to the factories, and then they use them for the processing that making the chewing gum needs such as mixing, melting, and then scoring. 4. Assess | What are the working conditions of the people who produce the materials? The working conditions for those who produce the materials are pretty well off since most of the production actually occurs in factories, rather than outsourcing them internationally. The production in the factories is also relatively machine based, so the requirement for human intervention is pretty minimal, and usually only at a high level to make sure everything is working properly. The only primarily human job needed is the product inspection once fully produced, to make sure that the output is the best possible made in the factor. 5. Describe | Where and how is the commodity assembled? This commodity is made in factories, primarily which are located in the US. The three factory locations in the US are Santa Cruz, CA, Chicago, IL, and Gainesville, GA. The process of making chewing gum is surprisingly more difficult than expected for such a commodity. The first step is the melt and mix the ingredients, specifically the gum base, and the sweeteners and flavorings to make sure they have the right amount of flavor. Then, the gum is rolled into the flat strips that are commonly known to be found in most packets of gum. Then the gum is scored and conditioned, where it gets the texture that the final product has, and the markings on the gum. 5 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

Finally, they are wrapped and packaged to get shipped to be retailed and consumed. 6. Assess | What are the working conditions of the people who assemble the commodity? The working conditions of the people assembling the commodity were pretty well off, since Wrigley provided good healthcare benefits for the workers. Additionally, the physical toil on these workers were not as bad since most of the production was modernized and more machine based. As mentioned before, the majority of the requirement for humans being there was to make sure the machines were working as produced, and that the final product matched the expectations. 7. Assess | What are the other impacts (environmental, social, economic) of producing and assembling the commodity? Environmentally, the production of this gum is not very heavy. However, like all other factories, it still does pollute the air. This can lead to effects of global warming, but not to the extent of some other environmentally heavy taxing industries. The social impact of this commodity can be seen through the use of it in social contexts. Gum is used in social contexts to have better smelling breath, and just as a social cue for hygiene. Economically, since the price of gum itself is not particularly high, there is not much of an economic effect since it is also part of the food industry, where it has many other competitors. However, it still is a frontrunner in the chewing gum category , and can be seen in many different retail stores. 8. Critically Reflect | How easily were you able to find information about the commodity? What challenges did you face, and what might be the reasons for these challenges? I did not really struggle to find much information about this product, since much of the information about Wrigley was already public as a very large company with many different products that are sold all around the world. However, when I was diving deeper into the ingredients that were used to produce the commodity, I had a bit of trouble figuring out the commodity’s ingredients and where they were produced and purchased. 9. Connect | How do your findings about your commodity connect to concepts about political economy we discussed in class (i.e. in the lectures, section, or textbook)? The findings about my commodity can be related to political economy concepts by the distribution of this product globally. For example, the production of chewing gum is centralized in the US, so that it is primarily considered a US good. However, it is still popularly used all around the world, which means it has to be exported from the United States to other countries so it can be popularized in other countries and the retail stores in these countries can sell them. 10. Connect | How have your ideas/feelings about this commodity changed after learning about it Personally, my ideas about this commodity have not really changed after learning about it. I only realized the process going into making the gum and all the steps needed to produce this commodity. I usually am a frequent consumer of gum, so this new information will not impose any real change on my use of this commodity, as I will still be using it just as often. 11. Reflect | What have you learned about yourself while completing this project? (1-3 sentences) Personally, I don’t think I have learned anything new about myself, but just a deeper dive into a commodity that I frequently use. 12. Advise | What would you do differently if you did this assignment again to achieve more in-depth answers? (1-3 sentences) I think one thing that I would do differently was to make sure that the information about the commodity was more accessible, and had a deeper connection to production abroad, for example like a t-shirt, since chewing gum is primarily just produced in factories. 6 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 Anthropology 104 | Field Work Project 1

Pasupula_FieldWorkJournal

Related Documents