Suchergebnisse

The context of this book is set by the decline of the globalization paradigm's ability to grasp the complexity and uncertainty of the current era. It takes a new approach based on the frame of 'transformation' viewed as a catalyst to understand the complex interconnected nature of the world around us from a concrete, grounded perspective.

Development and underdevelopment are the main determinants of life chances worldwide, arguably more so than social class. Marxism, as the underlying theory for social revolution, needs to have a clear understanding of the dynamics of development and social progress. Exploring the intersection of Marxism and development, this book looks at Marxs original conception of capitalist development and his later engagement with under-developed Russia. The author also reviews Lenins early critique of the Russian populists' rejection of capitalism compared with his later analysis of imperialism as a brake on development in the non-European world. The book then considers Rosa Luxemburg, who arguably provides a bridge between these theorists and those that follow with her analysis of imperialism as a necessity for capitalism to incorporate non-capitalist lands. Turning then to the non-European world, the author examines the Latin American dependency theories, the post-development school and the recent indigenous development theories advanced by Andean Marxism. Finally, Munck addresses the relationship between globalization and development. Does this relationship suggest that it has not been capitalism but a lack of capitalism that has led to under-development? Ronaldo Munck is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Centre for Engaged Research at Dublin City University and holds visiting posts in Argentina, Ecuador, Canada and Germany.

Social movements are a key feature of the political and social landscape of Latin America. Ronaldo Munck explores their full range, emanating from different sections of Latin American society and motivated by many different concerns, including worker organizations, peasant and land reform movements, Indigenous groups, women's movements, and environmental groups. Although the mosaic of interlocking and connected issues and rights presents a complex map of social concerns and potentially a fragmented political force, these movements are likely to be at the centre of any future progressive politics in Latin America. As a result, they require careful understanding and a more nuanced theoretical approach. Drawing on insights from Latin American approaches to social movement theory, the book offers a distinctive contribution to social movement literature. The text incorporates detailed case studies and a methodological appendix for students wishing to develop their own research agendas in the field.

Latin America is assuming an increasingly important position on the world stage with its heterodox economic policies and bold political experiments attracting world-wide attention in an era characterized by a general crisis of perspectives. Since European colonization from 1500 onwards, the region has played a key role in the modernization and enrichment of Europe and the West. Today, the West is in crisis and the whole Enlightenment discourse is thrown into question. Is it possible that Latin America now shows the West where it is heading? With complex, dynamic, conflictual, but, above all, original processes of development - and with new visions of social transformation and new constructions of hegemony - the region offers a fascinating laboratory for the rest of the world and, maybe, a mirror of the future.

"Fully updated for the third edition, Contemporary Latin America provides an accessible concise introduction to the region. Historical context, the countries and their peoples provides a backdrop to broad-ranging coverage of politics, economy, society and culture and the continent's prospects today. "--

When global economies integrate, what disintegrates as a result? The answer, Ronaldo Munck contends, is social equality. To illustrate how globalization deepens existing inequities, Munck focuses on disparities in living conditions; the feminization of poverty; the global sex trade; the effects of racism, migration, and multiculturalism; and the formation and political manifestations of social class. He boldly develops a politics and ethics of transformation, suggesting tools to transform society from within and create a more democratic and just global order.

Globalization is undoubtedly the great overarching paradigm of our era. However, there is still little agreement on what globalization actually 'is' and some do not accept that it 'is' anything at all. This new book addresses the contestation of globalization by the anti- or counter-globalization movement. To contest means to challenge, to call into question, to doubt, to oppose and to litigate. This study shows how globalization is 'contestable' in many different ways and how the counter-movements we have seen emerging over the last decade also 'bear witness' on behalf of an alterna.