The Power of Narratives and Narratives of Power
Document Type
Book
Files
Publication Date
Fall 9-17-2024
Description
Food systems transformation requires changing power dynamics so that people who are currently marginalized or not benefiting are able to have full participation and to enjoy their human rights related to food (the right to food, to a healthy environment, to decent compensation for labor, etc.). One of the ways that food system power is perpetuated is through narratives, or the stories we share about how the world works and how it should work. In this session, Molly Anderson drew on her forthcoming book Food Systems Transformation: Narratives of Power to introduce the dominant narratives that are circulating about food systems transformation and argue for a transformative narrative that rests on agroecology and food sovereignty, equity, ecological integrity and just transitions. Anderson explored the assumptions and theories of change that underly some current narratives justifying business as usual, such as sustainable intensification and technological innovation, and demonstrated that the theory of change and assumptions behind food sovereignty and agroecology are much more plausible if we are seeking real transformation of power dynamics.
City
Burlington, Vermont
Keywords
Food systems, agroecology, food sovereignty, ecological integrity, power dynamics, narratives of power, theory of change
Recommended Citation
Anderson, Molly, "The Power of Narratives and Narratives of Power" (2024). Food Systems Summit 2024. 14.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/fss2024/14
