Globalization and the Decline of Social Reform: Into the Twenty-First Century

by Gary Teeple

Since its first publication in 1995, this cogently argued and impressively documented work has been in use in every university in Canada, as well as many in the United States and overseas. In this revised and updated edition, Gary Teeple continues his examination of the undermining of the conditions of social democracy by clarifying the definition of globalization and further exploring its historical background. Teeple discusses the meaning and implication of "knowledge-based" means of production and analyzes postmodernism as a consequence of the transformations brought on by this new technology. In addition, he critically examines many contemporary skeptics of the idea of globalization and considers the potential for progressive social change given the continued expansion of globalized capital.

This book is essential reading for an understanding of the dynamics behind our rapidly changing world.

Genres: Politics

249 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Chris Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teeple writes with sophistication and confidence, describing the creation of a Keynesian Welfare State (and it’s contradiction of social services both maintaining and competing against capitalism) along with it’s demise following the end of the nation state’s pioneering role in economic activity—since succumbed to powerful international capital. During this process of neoliberalism, global social inequities and the relentless forces of capitalism on environmental degradation are mentioned, though could be elaborated with clear and specific examples. Nevertheless, the book does well describing the farce of the mythical “free-market”. Though now outdated, it still provides a compelling snapshot of the flows of capital in the 1900s, and the dramatic consequences of globalization for us all.