A critical scenario analysis of end-of-life ship disposal : The “bottom of the pyramid” as opportunity and graveyard

Purpose – This paper aims to critically engage with the premise of development at the “bottom of the pyramid” through consideration of the current and potential future status of the workers who dismantle end-of-life ships in the breaking yards of “less developed countries”, here with specific reference to the dynamic situation in Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach – The study applies “critical scenario method” (CSM) to explore different possible and plausible futures for the ship-breaking industry globally and locally. Findings – The paper argues that the status of the workers in the ship-breaking industry of Bangladesh can be conceptualised as firmly set at the “bottom of the pyramid”, and that, for most if not all, this situation cannot be changed within any industry future without wider, radical change to socioeconomic and political structures both in the country and globally. Originality/value – This paper offers a contribution to the discourse on consumption at the “bottom of the pyramid” as a development process.