Emma van den Terrell

Title of Dissertation:
Supply Chains, Ethical Discourse, and Metaphor

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Laura Marie Edinger-Schons
University: University of Mannheim
Scholarship: tba
Cohort: 7th Cohort, since 2020
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Short Abstract

  George Lakoff and Mark Johnson, leading metaphor theorists, argue that “We act according to the way we conceive of things” (Lakoff and Johnson 5). Metaphor and language actively take part in how we envision the world, its problems, and the possible solutions for these problems. My doctoral research will investigate the term “supply chain” and how this metaphorical concept frames both ethical discourse and the way we envision the problems of responsibility, positive duties, and human rights.

  In what ways does the pervasive phrase “supply chain” limit our ways of thinking and ability to solve problems such as modern slavery? The term itself has become so commonplace that it is not immediately obvious that it is just one possible metaphor humans have created to envision a complex system of actions involving people and the creation and transportation of goods and services. A supply chain can have strong and weak “links,” connect suppliers to consumers, and many other actions. But are these actions limited by a metaphor that likens this general process to a physical chain? If “a metaphorical concept can keep us from focusing on other aspects of the concept that are inconsistent with that metaphor” what could new metaphors help us see? (10).

  I intend to use discourse analysis, survey methods, and one-on-one interviews to investigate the following questions: Can we envision new metaphors for supply chains? How do these metaphors affect our notion of social responsibility and connectedness when we use them? My dissertation is grounded in Germany’s current political context as the government, German companies, and individuals debate the necessity of a supply chain law. The law would force companies to use best practices throughout their international supply chains.

  My overall goal is to promote new ways of understanding and discussing supply chains in order to promote a focus on the people within and around supply chains, not just the products.

  Lakoff, George, and Mark Johnson. Metaphors We Live By. Chicago, University of Chicago, 2003.

• Research Interests

  • Normative Discourse
  • Human Rights
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Intersectionality and Religion
  • Radical Individualism / Common Good Divide
  • Linguistics

• Education

  • 2018, Master of Theological Studies in Religion, Ethics, Politics, Harvard Divinity School, United States of America
  • 2015, Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Peace and Justice Studies, Wellesley College, United States of America
  • 2014, Semester Abroad, Kings College London, United Kingdom

• Professional and Academic Career

  • New Editor Literary Services (2020)
  • Arvato Financial Solutions (2020)
  • House of One Berlin – House of Prayer and Learning (2019)
  • The Jiyan Foundation for Human Rights (2017 - 2018)
  • Andover-Harvard Theological Library (2016-2018)
  • Zentrum Überleben (2015-2016)
  • Wellesley Centers for Women (2011-2015)

• Publications

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• Conference Contributions: Talks

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• Conference Contributions: Posters

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• Memberships

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