Globalization: A Basic Text

by George Ritzer, Paul Dean

Updated to reflect recent global developments, the second edition of A Basic Text presents an up-to-date introduction to major trends and topics relating to globalization studies.

Features updates and revisions in its accessible introduction to key theories and major topics in globalization Includes an enhanced emphasis on issues relating to global governance, emerging technology, global flows of people, human trafficking, global justice movements, and global environmental sustainability Utilizes a unique set of metaphors to introduce and explain the highly complex nature of globalization in an engaging and understandable manner Offers an interdisciplinary approach to globalization by drawing from fields that include sociology, global political economy, political science, international relations, geography, and anthropology Written by an internationally recognized and experienced author team<

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology, History

535 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

About the author

George Ritzer is Distinguished University Professor at the University of Maryland. He has named at Distinguished-Scholar Teacher at Maryland and received the American Sociological Association’s Distinguished Contribution to Teaching Award. Among his academic awards are an Honorary Doctorate from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia; Honorary Patron, University Philosophical Society, Trinity College, Dublin; and the 2012-2013 Robin William Lectureship from the Eastern Sociological Society. He has chaired four Sections of the American Sociological Association- Theoretical Sociology, Organizations and Occupations, first Chair of Global and Transnational Sociology, and the History of Sociology.
His books have been translated into over twenty languages, with over a dozen translations of The McDonaldization of Society alone.

Reviews

[Ramil Kazımov · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though it is just an introduction to globalization this only tome really offer thr best explanation for every part of globalization. Enjoyed it and offer it to everybody who are keen on learning wtf globalization

[Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, this is a textbook. But I read the whole damn thing and enjoyed most of it. And it took time away from my leisure reading so it counts toward my challenge. Fight me.

Anyway, I read this text for a course in Globalization of Information for my MLIS. This book isn't specifically geared toward librarians so it was a beautiful breath of fresh air. It breaks down history, theory, and practice into mostly digestible information. It made me look at several aspects of our world very differently. It taught me things I didn't already know. My one realistic complaint is that it is dense AF in terms of information and layout. It was hard to absorb more than a chapter in a single sitting. Also, the text seriously needs to be broken up. Every page was a wall of words. So I'm basically complaining that there weren't more pictures. My one unrealistic complaint is that this edition was published before Trump and Brexit and some of the projected ways in which the authors (and sources they cited) thought the world would end up working are terribly wrong and I couldn't help but take my pen and write things like "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" or "holy fuck" in the margins. But that's not the book's fault. Anyway, I liked this. If you end up having to read this for a class, it's actually pretty good.

[Megan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know textbooks aren't exactly meant to be compelling reads, but this was the worst textbook I had my first term by far. It's so incredibly dry and wordy it's hard to even get through a paragraph as someone who enjoys reading and is interested in the concepts.

[Sofia Wigren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally a decent textbook and relatively easy as an introduction. However, it's a lot of text without meaning, just to fill it out.

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

highly depressing pandemic-quarantine reading