Global Perspectives on Changing Secondhand Economies

This edited volume explores the historical and contemporary changes in secondhand economies, highlighting sustainability and cultural significance. Global Perspectives on Changing Secondhand Economies offers valuable insights.

This book offers an interdisciplinary and global perspective on the evolution of secondhand economies, examining both historical and contemporary shifts. Global Perspectives on Changing Secondhand Economies delves into the emergence and specialization of secondhand venues, exploring the materials involved and the cultural significance of secondhand items along with the professions that revolve around them. The focus encompasses a wide range of objects, from used clothing and scrap materials to antiquities and secondhand vehicles, showcasing the diverse nature of these economies.

As sustainability concerns gain prominence in Western societies, there has been a notable resurgence in practices related to clothing reuse, repurposing, and recycling. Simultaneously, major retailers are implementing programs to facilitate the return of used clothing for resale or recycling. The chapters in Global Perspectives on Changing Secondhand Economies highlight how these trends have led to increased scholarly attention on secondhand economies, emphasizing their historical context and their implications for both livelihoods and sustainability.

Originally published as a special issue of the journal Business History, this edited volume brings together a collection of contributions that reflect on the fast-paced changes in global commodity flows. The book not only examines the past but also considers the future of secondhand economies and their role in promoting sustainable practices.