Food Politics, Activism and Alternative Consumer Cooperatives

This book investigates Alternative Consumer Cooperatives (ACCs) as spaces for prefigurative food politics in Turkey, challenging the easy assumptions of what it means to be a scholar working on activism in the global north. It offers a novel perspective on alternative forms of organizing and creates new and imaginative forms of politics and activism through the foundational values of solidarity, reciprocity, and responsibility.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 October 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

Following the global financial crisis of 2008, there has been a significant surge of interest among scholars and activists in exploring alternative forms of organization that operate according to noncapitalist logic. One such example is the emergence of Alternative Consumer Cooperatives (ACCs), which have gained prominence as spaces for prefigurative food politics. In this book, we delve into the case of Turkey, where neoliberal economics intertwined with authoritarian politics has resulted in profound social and economic consequences. Through a comprehensive analysis of ACCs in Turkey, we aim to offer a novel perspective on alternative forms of organizing.

Challenging the conventional assumptions of scholars working on activism in the global north, this book demonstrates how the foundational values of solidarity, reciprocity, and responsibility can be harnessed to create new and imaginative forms of politics and activism. By examining the experiences and strategies of ACCs in Turkey, we shed light on the potential for alternative organizing to address the systemic challenges facing our societies.

One of the key findings of this book is that ACCs provide a model for building alternative economies that are based on principles of social justice, sustainability, and community empowerment. These cooperatives operate on the principle of member ownership and democratic decision-making, which allows for greater control over the production and distribution of food and other goods. By promoting local and organic agriculture, ACCs also contribute to the preservation of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, while promoting healthy and sustainable diets.

Moreover, ACCs serve as spaces for social and political activism, providing a platform for marginalized communities to voice their concerns and advocate for change. Through collective action and community building, ACCs have been successful in challenging dominant power structures and promoting social and economic equality.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the growing literature on alternative forms of organization and activism. By exploring the case of Turkey, we demonstrate how the values of solidarity, reciprocity, and responsibility can be used to create new and imaginative forms of politics and activism. Through the lens of ACCs, we offer a hopeful vision for a more just and sustainable world, where alternative economies and organizing practices can contribute to the transformation of our societies.

Weight: 438g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529220032