The Evolution of Timber
Following IKEA Timber from Production to Consumption
FOLLOWING THE THING
A focus on mercantilism and colonial capitalism
A closer look at trade liberalization and chock-chocky furniture.
A look at commodity fetishism and causumerism.
A concept discussed by Ian Cook, following a commodities global flow allows us to really understand the impact the commodity has on everything that goes into bringing that product to the consumer. It is important to realize how much capital, human, and natural resources go into producing and consuming commodities in order to broaden our awareness of the world and in a sense making it seem a little smaller.
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Following the commodity chain of timber gives a deeper understanding into the impact the timber trade has on the economy, the environment, and culture. By looking at each phase of this continuous flow, we are able to the learn concepts such as mercantilism, commodity fetishism, and (almost) everything in between.
Bibliography
Ian Cook et al. (2004) Follow the thing: papaya. Antipode 36(4), 642-664