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Globalization: A Basic Text

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An accessible and comprehensive introduction to key concepts in globalization written by leading authors in the field

In the comprehensively revised Third Edition of A Basic Text, distinguished researchers and authors George Ritzer and Paul Dean deliver an up-to-date introduction to major trends and topics related to the study of globalization. The book includes accessible and rigorous material on the key theories and major topics in globalization, as well as modern developments like the rise of populism and far-right political groups, Brexit, migration and backlash to it, trade negotiations, social media and the spread of misinformation, climate change, social justice issues, and COVID-19.

The new edition includes a greater focus on the structures of inequality that encourage or discourage global flows. Additionally, new examples and sources from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia are used to illustrate key concepts, and round out the international coverage of book. Throughout, the authors use clear and helpful metaphors including solids, liquids, gases, and flows to introduce and explain the complex nature of globalization in an engaging and understandable way.

Readers will also benefit from the inclusion

A thorough introduction to globalization and related processes, including imperialism, colonialism, development, and westernization An exploration of neoliberalism, including its roots, principles, criticisms, and Neo-Marxist alternatives A practical discussion of global political structures and processes, as well as global economic flows of production and consumption A concise treatment of negative global flows and processes, including dangerous imports, diseases, crime, terrorism, and war Analysis of the changing nature of globalization and de-globalization, and the social movements and technological developments driving these changes More images, charts, and graphs to help illustrate and highlight the concepts contained in the book Perfect for advanced undergraduates studying globalization across sociology, political science, geography, anthropology, and economics, A Basic Text, Third Edition will also be essential reading for students taking courses in culture, economy and inequality, and migration taught from a global perspective.

655 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2009

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About the author

George Ritzer

114 books80 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Profile Image for Ramil Kazımov.
407 reviews12 followers
April 7, 2021
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
Profile Image for Carey.
672 reviews58 followers
April 9, 2019
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.
13 reviews
October 17, 2018
Generally a decent textbook and relatively easy as an introduction. However, it's a lot of text without meaning, just to fill it out.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews

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