Mapping the Material World— Logistics in the Historical Narratives of Fernand Braudel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33423/jabe.v27i2.7552Keywords:
business, economics, Fernand Braudel, history, logistical facilities, social hierarchies, structures, world economy (économie-monde)Abstract
This article examines the influence of logistics on economic and social structures, drawing on the work of French historian Fernand Braudel. Braudel emphasizes the crucial role of logistical facilities in managing the technical aspects of flow and shaping human societies throughout history. He notes that logistics impacts everyday life, particularly through the availability of goods and transportation costs. For example, the advent of railroads significantly transformed social and economic dynamics. Logistics also serves as instruments of power, allowing elites to control the flow of goods and capital, reinforcing social hierarchies. Technological innovations such as the telegraph and steamships have greatly enhanced the efficiency of logistical networks, promoting the integration of global markets. However, while Braudel underscores the importance of logistics, his analysis has certain limitations, particularly in overlooking the effects of political and cultural factors on societal transformation. To deepen the analysis, future research could explore global supply chain dynamics or the impact of logistics on contemporary social hierarchies.
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