What do you think?
Rate this book
Flat Broke in the Free Market: How Globalization Fleeced Working People
A powerful, accessible, and eye-opening analysis of the global economy.
Growing up in an African American working-class family in the Midwest, Jon Jeter watched the jobs undergirding a community disappear. As a journalist for the Washington Post (twice a Pulitzer Prize finalist), he reported on the freemarket reforms of the IMF and the World Bank, which in a single generation created a transnational underclass.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
9 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 9, 2016
In this relatively short book (216 pages including notes), the ex-journalist author tackles the broad subject of the consequences of globalization around the world. Story-heavy, the narrative features portraits of poor people from countries as diverse as Zambia, Buenos Aires and the United States (Chicago and DC).
Meet Isabella Lopes da Silva, an unemployed 49-year-old woman in Brazil, who lives with her unemployed daughter and son-in-law. Meet Rose Shanzi, of Zambia, who sells tomatoes to keep herself and her children from starving; they barely survive on corn meal, at least on the days when Rose makes enough to afford food. Meet Metolina Methembu, 70, of South Africa, who has to turn to the cholera-infested river for water after she can't pay her bills and the utility disconnects her tap. Jeter interviews these women and many other people, from community activists to economists, painting a picture through their personal experiences.
As compelling (and horrifying) as these glimpse into everyday lives were, I could have done with more analysis and explanation of the mechanics of globalization to contextualize these stories. It's only in the chapter on Chile that Jeter really goes into specifics of policies; otherwise, brief references to the IMF and the World Bank, to discarded tariffs, and to the privatization of public utilities are all that are offered to explain how domestic economies imploded. I would have liked to have gotten a clearer picture of how these pieces fit together, the timeline of these events, and how the emerge neoliberalism fits into a wider sociopolitical context.
Besides conducting interviews with people throughout the the Global South, Jeter also shines a spotlight on the United States. He details the concerted efforts these cities employ to push black and poor people out of Washington D.C. and south Chicago. He also devotes a chapter to critiquing black politicians who turn their backs on impoverished black communities, serving instead the interests of the upper- and middle-classes. Bobby Rush, former Black Panther turned mainstream Democratic representative, features as a prime example; Jeter also turns a critical eye to Barack Obama, who, at the time of writing, was yet to be elected.
Jeter's analysis of women's situations leaves much to be desired. Although he points out that women and people of color face the brunt of poverty, he doesn't acknowledge, for example, what prostitution actually means: paid rape. He interviews prostituted women in Argentina, detailing how the economic crisis forced these women into prostitution, but treating it, ultimately, like any other unfortunate "job," not male sexual violence against vulnerable women. In his chapter on "Chicago and the Family," Jeter mourns the lack of strong heterosexual ties (i.e., marriage) in the black community. Of one of his interview subjects, he actually writes: "to truly get ahead, Sonia needs a man." He then details how black men who make less than their black female partners often feel threatened by these women's relative success and frustrated by their own inability to live up to what they believe to be a "man's job." The ensuing tensions make black women even less likely to have husbands. This dynamic is a tragic result of economics, apparently, not misogyny — as though black women would have idyllic lives, if only they could get themselves hitched to well-paid men and stay at home, cooking and cleaning. (That's the fantasy of Sonia's off-and-on boyfriend, by the way.)
Ultimately, even with its pain points, Flat Broke makes a good introduction into the effects of globalization around the world, offering vivid stories in a readable and informative format and spanning an impressive number of countries. Unfortunately, the broad scope overwhelms the few pages of the book, and so it feels incomplete in its analysis.
Note: I read an advance reader's copy (acquired secondhand, not provided by the publisher), so there may be discrepancies between it and the final published book.
Meet Isabella Lopes da Silva, an unemployed 49-year-old woman in Brazil, who lives with her unemployed daughter and son-in-law. Meet Rose Shanzi, of Zambia, who sells tomatoes to keep herself and her children from starving; they barely survive on corn meal, at least on the days when Rose makes enough to afford food. Meet Metolina Methembu, 70, of South Africa, who has to turn to the cholera-infested river for water after she can't pay her bills and the utility disconnects her tap. Jeter interviews these women and many other people, from community activists to economists, painting a picture through their personal experiences.
As compelling (and horrifying) as these glimpse into everyday lives were, I could have done with more analysis and explanation of the mechanics of globalization to contextualize these stories. It's only in the chapter on Chile that Jeter really goes into specifics of policies; otherwise, brief references to the IMF and the World Bank, to discarded tariffs, and to the privatization of public utilities are all that are offered to explain how domestic economies imploded. I would have liked to have gotten a clearer picture of how these pieces fit together, the timeline of these events, and how the emerge neoliberalism fits into a wider sociopolitical context.
Besides conducting interviews with people throughout the the Global South, Jeter also shines a spotlight on the United States. He details the concerted efforts these cities employ to push black and poor people out of Washington D.C. and south Chicago. He also devotes a chapter to critiquing black politicians who turn their backs on impoverished black communities, serving instead the interests of the upper- and middle-classes. Bobby Rush, former Black Panther turned mainstream Democratic representative, features as a prime example; Jeter also turns a critical eye to Barack Obama, who, at the time of writing, was yet to be elected.
Jeter's analysis of women's situations leaves much to be desired. Although he points out that women and people of color face the brunt of poverty, he doesn't acknowledge, for example, what prostitution actually means: paid rape. He interviews prostituted women in Argentina, detailing how the economic crisis forced these women into prostitution, but treating it, ultimately, like any other unfortunate "job," not male sexual violence against vulnerable women. In his chapter on "Chicago and the Family," Jeter mourns the lack of strong heterosexual ties (i.e., marriage) in the black community. Of one of his interview subjects, he actually writes: "to truly get ahead, Sonia needs a man." He then details how black men who make less than their black female partners often feel threatened by these women's relative success and frustrated by their own inability to live up to what they believe to be a "man's job." The ensuing tensions make black women even less likely to have husbands. This dynamic is a tragic result of economics, apparently, not misogyny — as though black women would have idyllic lives, if only they could get themselves hitched to well-paid men and stay at home, cooking and cleaning. (That's the fantasy of Sonia's off-and-on boyfriend, by the way.)
Ultimately, even with its pain points, Flat Broke makes a good introduction into the effects of globalization around the world, offering vivid stories in a readable and informative format and spanning an impressive number of countries. Unfortunately, the broad scope overwhelms the few pages of the book, and so it feels incomplete in its analysis.
Note: I read an advance reader's copy (acquired secondhand, not provided by the publisher), so there may be discrepancies between it and the final published book.
September 24, 2023
Jon Jeter keeps it 100 by describing the injustices of unchecked globalization on the working classes throughout the world. It was mostly a heavy and uncomfortable read that humbled me into appreciating the availability of jobs and food, clean water and air where I live in the U.S. Then again, the ability to live at even a low standard of quality of life varies from place to place in the U.S. As dour as the situation is for working and poor people all over the world, Jeter brings it all together in the final chapter, citing examples of leaders who have been able to turn globalization on its head for the benefit of the people. The one chapter that was questionable was the one on the Black family and how it's difficult for sisters to meet good brothers and start a family, but there are many ways of raising a family and wouldn't cite this as a travesty of globalization but rather the effect of social conditioning and patriarchy. This book was published in 2009 so I would be interested to read how his perspective has developed over the years.
October 10, 2009
As I was reading the brilliant "The Earth is Flat" by Thomas Friedman, a thought kept re-appearing in the back of my mind: "There are going to be people left behind in the new global economy. What happens to them?" This book is a stark and depressing attempt to answer that question. It's not a friendly read, like "Flat" was, probably because Jeter is a reporter by trade, and a very good one, back when that meant something besides publishing a stream-of-consciousness blog. (He has, in fact, been nominated for two Pulitzer prizes) I don't pretend to understand the economic issues in the world today. and when I read two respected authors with totally opposing viewpoints, my head feels like it wants to explode. But if you want a look at both sides of the story, Jeter (and Friedman's) books will get you started.
September 5, 2021
Heartbreaking and anger making. It is just so obvious that capitalism is the evil scourge of humanity but for a tiny few who are callous and indifferent to the suffering of others.
November 13, 2010
This book is a must-read, despite the imperfect rating I'm giving it. Acutely pointing the target of the title at Thomas "dorkbutt" Friedman, Jeter does a superb job of taking us on a tour of the world that pro-corporate-globalization fanatics want us to ignore. John Stossel should be strapped to a chair and forced to listen to every word of this text.
From Argentina to South Africa, from Chicago to Malawi, the book offers story after heartbreaking story of people who work hard and play by the rules -- only to see everything washed away because of unfair trade policy. Jeter links the personal to the political, bringing trade issues always to the forefront, linking history to economics without ever dropping the essential human element.
My one complaint (and the reason for withholding the final star) is the somewhat disjointed nature of the stories. The chapters on "Chicago and Family", for example, points to how hard it is for young black women to find men with stable jobs -- obviously an important issue related to corporate globalization. But given the history of white supremacy in this country, I'm not sure I see the specific link to global capital, beyond the obvious points made at the start of that chapter. Other sections suffer from similar stretching of connectivity.
Still, the facts and information are sublimely collected, and tied together with important visions of both frustration and -- importantly, in the last chapter -- hope. The most important book about economics since Ha-Joon Chang's Bad Samaritans.
From Argentina to South Africa, from Chicago to Malawi, the book offers story after heartbreaking story of people who work hard and play by the rules -- only to see everything washed away because of unfair trade policy. Jeter links the personal to the political, bringing trade issues always to the forefront, linking history to economics without ever dropping the essential human element.
My one complaint (and the reason for withholding the final star) is the somewhat disjointed nature of the stories. The chapters on "Chicago and Family", for example, points to how hard it is for young black women to find men with stable jobs -- obviously an important issue related to corporate globalization. But given the history of white supremacy in this country, I'm not sure I see the specific link to global capital, beyond the obvious points made at the start of that chapter. Other sections suffer from similar stretching of connectivity.
Still, the facts and information are sublimely collected, and tied together with important visions of both frustration and -- importantly, in the last chapter -- hope. The most important book about economics since Ha-Joon Chang's Bad Samaritans.
May 21, 2009
Neither well-reasoned or insightful; an emotional rant of victimhood.
For example, on page 56, Jeter asserts: "Debt is the cornerstone of the new economy, and no matter how you look at it, debt is merely exploitation by another name..." Are you kidding? Is the ability to buy a house or start a business examples of exploitation? Certainly too much debt or fraudulent terms may be exploitation. Jeter makes no such distinction.
He blames international financiers and Wall Street speculators who "put in the fix," as if a sovereign government was never responsible for its own actions.
The book is both oversimplified and unsubstantiated. Without a factual foundation it balloons into a victims' lament, as if economic prosperity were a birthright. It focuses on the symptoms without documenting the causes and relies on inference and hyperbole to indict "the oppressors."
For example, on page 56, Jeter asserts: "Debt is the cornerstone of the new economy, and no matter how you look at it, debt is merely exploitation by another name..." Are you kidding? Is the ability to buy a house or start a business examples of exploitation? Certainly too much debt or fraudulent terms may be exploitation. Jeter makes no such distinction.
He blames international financiers and Wall Street speculators who "put in the fix," as if a sovereign government was never responsible for its own actions.
The book is both oversimplified and unsubstantiated. Without a factual foundation it balloons into a victims' lament, as if economic prosperity were a birthright. It focuses on the symptoms without documenting the causes and relies on inference and hyperbole to indict "the oppressors."
July 25, 2009
This is definitely a depressing look at the world today. If you think you have it bad, just pick up this book and you will definitely change your mind. Each chapter tackles a different country and tells how their economy has changed for the worse. The only shining light comes at the end of the book. Government policies, whether they be trade or currency issues seem to be presented as the core issues.
I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I wish the author had wrapped up his theories and maybe offered some solutions to the utter poverty most of the world seems to be facing.....
I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I wish the author had wrapped up his theories and maybe offered some solutions to the utter poverty most of the world seems to be facing.....
June 25, 2012
Jeter has brought globalization to the local level, depicting hardships brought upon various people throughout the world due to mainly the impact of the World Bank and IMF. At times it flows well, other times it's a little disjointed and rambling, but interesting and heartbreaking stories regardless. The author certainly convinced me that government run economies and regulations are a good thing, especially for developing nations.
September 19, 2010
A socio-economic vantage that does mot ignore the social aspect. A more robust comparison would show how China and Japan take advantage of free market attitudes while running essentially mercantile policies themselves to be on up and up. This book emphasizes those whose nations were less wise (our own included)
August 11, 2016
I found this book illuminating in putting the current American economic situation into a global context, and exposing the human consequences of decisions promoted by powerful economic and financial interests for their own benefit, that is, the benefit of a worldwide elite of investors and financial players. Well worth reading.
July 1, 2010
very interesting and readable. While emotion comes through in some areas it is always based on facts. There will be haves and have nots in this "new economy" maybe this books will encourage you to get your parachute ready.
July 12, 2011
"Contrasts the fantasies of the neo-liberal "Washington Consensus" with the factual reality of the damage caused by globalization and international finance to working people from Chicago to Soweto."
Want to read
July 14, 2009Off this review: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/200...
October 6, 2013
Highly readable and very interesting. And, of course, will add to your misery and anger if you're un- or under-employed.
December 5, 2016
Jeter shares stories of working people all over the world which challenge the commonly accepted viewpoint of classical economics. Very convincing read.
June 23, 2016
spurious connections, more several lukewarm short stories than serious work, but readable.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews