Between Imitation and Embeddedness: Three Types of Polish Alternative Food Networks

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the specific character of Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) in Poland as one of the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). We refer to the issue increasingly debated in the social sciences, that is, how to translate academic models embedded in specific social contexts to other contexts, as we trace the process of adapting ideas and patterns of AFNs developed in the West to the semi-peripheral context of CEE countries. Drawing on the theory of social practices, we divide the analysis into three essential areas: The ideas of the network, its materiality, and the activities within the network. We have done secondary analysis of the research material, including seven case studies the authors worked on in the past decade. We distinguish three network models—imitated, embedded and mixed—which allow us to establish a specific post-transformational AFN growth theory. Particular attention should be paid to the type of embedded networks, as they highlight the possibility of local and original forms of AFNs. Mixed networks show that ideas imported from abroad need to be considered in juxtaposition and connection with local circumstances.

Are There Local Versions of Sustainability? Food Networks in the Semi-Periphery

“…This study draws upon existing literature on traditional food practices in the specific CEE context. It continues with the main results of this research, especially conceptualising a local model of sustainability different from the Western one and providing some unique ethics, routines, and economies [10,11,15,21]. What is original is the theoretical and methodological background, allowing content analysis to be combined with qualitative interpretation to reveal the collective and more-than-human aspect of food practices.…”

“…Two groups were selected from all the 38 interviews and subjected to the analysis presented here. The first group comprises interviews concerning practices identified as traditional and interpreted above as quiet sustainability, vernacular sustainability, or embedded AFNs [15]. These practices are above all informal food production for one's own use in house gardens and city allotments; domestic processing, e.g., baking bread, home production of beer, cold meats, and pickles; and also obtaining this kind of homemade products using informal, non-market supply chains, mostly familial and neighbourhood-based.…”

Beyond the Modernisation Paradigm: Elements of a Food Sovereignty Discourse in Farmer Protest Movements and Alternative Food Networks in Poland

“…The ideology and discourse surrounding alternative food movements in Poland are largely imitating Western movements, which causes discrepancies with the local context; and this seems to be a common trait of such initiatives in Central and Eastern European countries (Bilewicz and Śpiewak 2019;Fendrychova and Jehlicka 2018;Goszczyński et al 2019). The goals and values, such as 'local food', 'ecology', or a just economy are sometimes rather abstract slogans.…”

“…'Alternative food networks and social movements: a chance for a rural-urban alliance? ', dedicated to urban movements, bases mainly on the results of a co-performed ethnographic research on newly emerging Polish consumer co-operatives as well as other contributions to the topic of Polish alternative food networks (see Bilewicz andŚpiewak 2015, 2019;Bilewicz 2017;Goszczyński et al 2019). The following part, 'Discussion and Conclusion', reflects on the chances of creating a larger social movement that would unite different rural protest movements and urban consumers by formulating common goals properly 'translated' into the local context.…”

Grow, share or buy? Understanding the diverse economies of urban gardeners

“…While these practices seem widespread (see e.g. Aistara, 2015;Goszczyński et al, 2019;Mincyte, 2012), they remain invisible due to their informality. Their functioning merits further research, which is likely to yield interesting insights into the role of social networks and trust, as well as into different forms of exchange and reciprocity.…”