Bolivian Quinoa in the context of globalization

Sammanfattning: The Bolivian quinoa has transformed from being a domestic food supply to being introduced to the global market. This transformation of the market has contributed to several social changes in the local society in the Altiplano, Bolivia, where quinoa has an ancient history of cultivation and consumption. By examining what determinant actors and underlying incitements that have contributed to the introduction of Bolivian quinoa to the global market, as well as to what extent it has led to social change, the concept of globalization is scrutinized. The study is conducted through a qualitative literature review of both academic articles and news from daily media of Bolivian and international origin. Material from the actors operating at the Bolivian quinoa arena are also included. The interpretation of theories considering globalization and the perception of local agency in comparison to global forces are conducted in the aim of understand the phenomenon. The findings of the study shows how globalization affects the local population and society in different directions dependent on the amount of connectedness to other places that is obtained. In the initial phase when a local commodity is introduced to the global market it is shown that the local agency is determinant on global forces and the local inherits dependency and vulnerability towards the global. When the connectedness to other places increases and stabilizes, it is possible to see how the local agency strengthens in the context of globalization.