Working with(in) kinship: value in Italian family businesses. Issue 4 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crossland-Marr, Lauren Virginia
• Is Part Of: Modern Italy. Volume 26:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 445
• Page End: 455
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: capitalism -- workspace -- family-owned business -- food certifications -- halal -- Made in Italy; Italy -- History -- 1945- -- Periodicals; Italy -- Politics and government -- 20th century -- Periodicals; 945.092
• DOI: 10.1017/mit.2021.39
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-2944

Abstract

Abstract : In Italy, living close to or even within a place of business is not in and of itself unusual. Forms of housing in Italy are similar to many other European countries in that people primarily live in mixed-use spaces. It is common to have an apartment above cafés, bars, and bakeries. In this article, I examine how this form of mixed-use residence shapes market practices, decision-making, and labour relations among owners and workers. I argue that the spaces in which employees participate in the market economy also mirror their commitments to family. By examining workspaces across two food certifications in Milan, Italy – a Made in Italy certification (Food Italy) and a halal certification (Halal Italia) – I argue that Italian kinship networks structure how workers in each business operate. This intervention contributes to a larger literature on the cultural dimensions of capitalism.