Understanding Globalization: The Social Consequences of Political, Economic, and Environmental Change

by Robert K. Schaeffer

Today "globalization" is bandied about by nearly everyone. But how many of us really understand the new complexities brought about by changes that have only intensified near the end of this century Students of sociology, politics, history, and economics will appreciate this vibrant introduction to globalization by scholar and former journalist Robert K. Schaeffer. He examines the diverse social consequences of global problems for people in different settings, with detailed case histories of dollar devaluations, debt crises, political partitions, environmental dilemmas, drug trafficking, democratization, free trade agreements, food overproduction, and more. His analytic narrative clarifies how complex developments and arcane institutions (such as the World Bank or G-7) affect everyday lives. While examples are used from around the world, the first part of the book "brings the story home" by showing how global events impact people here in the United States.

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Alvaro Berrios · Rating 3 out of 5]

The purpose of this book is not so much to understand what is globalization, but rather, what the historical circumstances are that brought about globalization. As a result, this is a history book and not a theory or business strategy book. It provides great historical context and helps you realize that many aspects of globalization were not brought about by evolution in operational efficiencies, but by political and social events that altered the global landscape. So chances are there is a lot of information in this book that you didn't know, and in that sense it is a very informative and useful book.

The reason I give it 3 stars though is that there are a few fatal flaws with the book. First off, globalization is one of those hot business buzz words, and there are many definitions of it. So you would think that someone who is writing a book about globalization would try to define it in his or her own words. However, the author fails to ever do so. Secondly, when reading this book it is brutally apparent that the author is staunchly against the process of globalization. When you go digging for information on the author, this suspicion is confirmed. As a result, the book is extremely biased and only talks about the negative side effects of globalization (which there are plenty of, without a doubt). But a lot of good things have come about as a result of globalization, but you wouldn’t know that from reading this book.

Overall, it’s a decent book. If you’re going to read it you are bound to learn a lot of new information. Take everything with a grain of salt though, becase it’s a book on globalization written by someone who hates globalization. Just keep an open mind.

[Cass]

Fascinating overview of the worlds economy over the last 60 years (post WWII). Money makes the world go 'round...and you won't beleive some of the policies this country has enforced on the world, and it's own people. A relative topic considering our current economical situation...recession, housing crisis, trade deficit, falling dollar, unprecedented national debt...and a surging China!!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another textbook from my geography class! I must have really found that stuff interesting. This is another book that I remember finding fascinating and simultaneously anxiety-inducing.