The word “globalization” is used to convey the hope and determination of order-making on a worldwide scale. It is trumpeted as providing more mobility—of people, capital, and information—and as being equally beneficial for everyone. With recent technological developments—most notably the Internet—globalization seems to be the fate of the world. But no one seems to be in control. As noted sociologist Zygmunt Bauman shows in this detailed history of globalization, while human affairs now take place on a global scale, we are not able to direct events; we can only watch as boundaries, institutions, and loyalties shift in rapid and unpredictable ways. Who benefits from the new globalization? Are people in need assisted more quickly and efficiently? Or are the poor worse off than ever before? Will a globalized economy shift jobs away from traditional areas, destroying time-honored national industries? Who will enjoy access to jobs in the new hierarchy of mobility?
From the way the global economy creates a class of absentee landlords to current prison designs for the criminalized underclass, Bauman dissects globalization in all its manifestations: its effects on the economy, politics, social structures, and even our perceptions of time and space. In a chilling analysis, Bauman argues that globalization divides as much as it unites, creating an ever-widening gulf between the haves and the have-nots. Rather than the hybrid culture we had hoped for, globalization is creating a more homogenous world.
Drawing on the works of philosophers, social historians, architects, and theoreticians such as Michel Foucault, Claude Levi-Strauss, Alfred J. Dunlap, and Le Corbusier, Globalization presents a historical overview of the methods employed to create and define human spaces and institutions, from rural villages to sprawling urban centers. Bauman shows how the advent of the computer translates into the decline of truly public space. And he explores the dimensions of a world in which—through new technologies—time is accelerated and space is compressed, revealing how we have arrived at our current state of global thinking. Bauman’s incisive methods of inquiry make Globalization an excellent antidote to the exuberance expressed by those who stand to benefit from the new pace and mobility of the modern life. — Book promo @ goodreads.com
I have mixed emotions about the above book. That is mostly due to the author using his academic vocabulary when he wrote it. A simple example is his use of “agora” rather than “meeting place” which he does repeatedly. This is what Brave AI said when I asked if this was common speach. ‘In common speech, you would generally not use “agora” instead of “meeting place.” While “agora” is a precise and evocative term with deep historical roots in ancient Greece as a central public space for political, social, and commercial activities, it is not a standard word in everyday English conversation’. He also does what almost all philosopher academics do, uses German and Latin in his writing. The English language is jut not adequate for his intellectual thoughts.
I’m going to give another one of his books a try and simply grit my teeth when confronted with his academic jargon.
Not much going on here. Just trying to stay warm. For the first ten days of December there have been seven of them that were below freezing. The lowest so far has been 28.9° but I’m sure to see lower before winter is over. I have changed my walking routine from getting out there at 6:00 in the dark and freezing cold. Now waiting until after sun up and the temperature gets above 40. Then do my second walk for the day around noon or later when it is approaching the high for the day which has been in the lower 70s. Getting soft, or maybe wiser, in my old age!
I’ll be going shopping tomorrow. Last year there was a small local store that had a few things that I buy and also a Dollar General that did have non-dairy milk which I hope they still have. Both of those stores are within a mile of the Park and the local store is next door to a restaurant. Last year that restaurant did not open until 9:00 but I have been told that it now opens at 7:00. I’ll find out if that is true tomorrow.