The Global Rose as Social Tool

Roses are also a modern-day global product, grown over thousands of acres in developing nations like Kenya before shipment to supermarkets in Great Britain. The British pay about $10 for a small bouquet while the Kenyans earn about $70 per month. “Look at the global economy one way and Buyaki earns the equivalent of seven bunches of roses for a month's labor,” explains Roger Cohen for the New York Times. “That smacks of exploitation. Look at it another and she has a job she'd never have had until globalization came along.” Rose growers, striving to please consumers in developing nations, provide health care benefits and abide by free-trade policies. Secure jobs in developing nations work better than charity at ending poverty and minimizing conflict, writes Cohen. Trade can wield great pressure for powerful social and environmental change. – YaleGlobal