2.
a) Communicate with two people in positions of power or influence to
find out what they think about the issue. Attach evidence that shows how
you tried to communicate, influence or persuade these people. Outline
the views of the two people and compare these with your own view.
2. b) Why do you think people hold different views on this issue?
This video footage will form the main element of
evidence of your communication, though you have a better chance of getting
higher marks if there is clear evidence
you personally asked a question during the guest speaker sessions.
In the meantime, start to think about what factors may have influenced Karen's responses to your questions. Question 2b tasks you with analysing the differences between the responses of the two 'people of influence' you've contacted,
as well as generally discussing why there might not be universal agreement on the goals or methods of FairTrade:
2b: Why do you think people hold different views on this issue?
|
Karen on the left, March 2012. Read the article here. |
Its clear from some of the questions posed that many of you have already begun to consider Karen's primary focus on the welfare of producers/farmers in LEDCs (though she did note her belief that better conditions for UK farmers, and trying to buy local produce, are also worthy causes). Look for factors such as these that define her '
subjectivity' as opposed to
objectivity - the individual, personal view as opposed to unquestionably following a rational, scientific path. Outside of maths and science everyone has their own
subjectivity (and even the choice of what to research/experiment on arguably indicates that science is not entirely
objective either!).
You can find a good example of conflicting views in
this web page putting forward the opinions of a right-wing think-tank that argues that so-called free market economics should be followed, and interference with these (such as government subsidy) is wrong. A senior FairTrade member responded to the think-tank's criticism of FairTrade as an ineffective organisation, which you can
read here.
STEPS TO TAKE FOR Q2: