Coca-Globalization: Following Soft Drinks from New York to New Guinea

by Robert J. Foster

This book explores globalization through a historical and anthropological study of how familiar soft drinks such as Coke and Pepsi became valued as more than mere commodities. Foster discusses the transnational operations of soft drink companies and, in particular, the marketing of soft drinks in Papua New Guinea, a country only recently opened up to the flow of brand name consumer goods. Based on field observations and interviews, as well as archival and library research, this book is of interest to anyone concerned about the cultural consequences and political prospects of globalization, including new forms of consumer citizenship and corporate social responsibility.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sociology, Anthropology

275 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2007

Reviews

[Ellie J.]

DNF at 32%

Foster seems fairly confused about what he's pushing in this book. I've made several comments in my copy about how it feels insidious that he's using the Coca-Cola Company as an allegory for globalization and its 'wonders.' I think Foster needs 1) to better formulate what he's trying to say, and 2) better editors who can tell him to shut up when necessary.

It was kind of hard to get through the amount of this book I did due to how much Foster repeats himself and goes off topic. The point of the book is supposed to be globalization and coke's role in it, but so much of it focuses on the same aspects of the company (i.e., in the first four chapters Foster rehashes Coca-Cola's marketing strategy twice) that it just feels redundant.

[Leilani]

school read.

[Dagezi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best thing I've read on "globalization" (unfortunate title not-withstanding). Foster is a smart, smart guy and apparently humane (unlike so many world-beating anthropologists) as well.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book made some good points, although overall it was pretty damn boring, and the writing style was a bit too academic for my taste.