Chocolate, Women and Empire: A Social and Cultural History

From Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to Chocolat, from romantic gift to guilty indulgence, chocolate has a special place in Western popular culture. But what are the hidden histories behind this luxurious commodity? This book examines chocolate production from cocoa bean to chocolate box, illuminating the dynamics of gender, race and empire which have structured the cocoa chain. Using a varied range of sources, and drawing on the author's own relationship to the industry, this book reconnects the people and places at different stages of chocolate production. Emma Robertson stresses the need to recognise the complex histories of empire and labour which have made such pleasurable consumption possible. Chocolate, women and empire offers exciting new insights into the lives of women workers in a global industry. It will be invaluable to historians of British imperialism as well as to students of Women's and Gender Studies, Cultural Studies and Business Studies.

Author: Emma Robertson
Publisher: Manchester University Press
Published: 08/31/2013
Pages: 264
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.82lbs
Size: 9.21h x 6.14w x 0.55d
ISBN: 9780719090059

About the Author

Emma Robertson is Lecturer in History at La Trobe University