Globalization - George Ritzer

The first full–scale textbook of its kind, Globalization: ABasic Text
provides a balanced introduction to the major topicsin globalization studies. Written in a highly accessible style, anddrawing on sources both academic and popular, the book adopts adefinition of globalization that emphasizes transplanetary flowsand the structures that both expedite and impede those flows.

Driven by a range of theories from imperialism andAmericanization (and anti–Americanism), to neo–liberalism and theneo–Marxian alternatives, as well the major types of culturaltheory, the book examines the key events in the history ofglobalization, and the principle flows and structures produced inthe course of that history. Among the major topics covered are theeconomy, culture, technology, media and the Internet, migration,the environment, global inequalities, and the future ofglobalization.

Making extensive use of maps and with a glossary of key terms,this book offers the reader not only a descriptive, but also acritical, analysis of globalization.