Globalization: A Basic Text

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

In the comprehensively revised Third Edition of Globalization: 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 of:

• 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, Globalization: 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.

GEORGE RITZER is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus at the University of Maryland, USA. He is Editor-In-Chief of the Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology from 2007, and author of several books including The McDonaldization of Society (9th ed., 2018) and The Globalization of Nothing (2nd ed., 2007).

PAUL DEAN is Associate Professor and Department Chair of Sociology/Anthropology at Ohio Wesleyan University, USA. He is an award-winning teacher whose teaching and research focus on globalization, social inequality, economic sociology, social movements, and race and ethnicity. He is coauthor with George Ritzer of Globalization: The Essentials (2nd ed., Wiley Blackwell 2019).