Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism [Paperback]

Richard H. Robbins (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 1998 | ISBN-10: 0205193374 | ISBN-13: 978-0205193370 | Edition: 1

Takes a problem-based approach in introducing the culture of global capitalism focusing on social problems, like poverty, hunger, disease, and violence. Provides historical and economic background to help students understand the contemporary world. Takes an interdisciplinary approach utilizing world systems theory. Discusses what students need to know about their own culture to understand the culture of others. Features a dedicated website maintained by the author.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Imagine an underdeveloped country rejuvenated and refurbished by capitalist entrepreneurs. They come in, they build, they buy, they leave. The economy booms. The population explodes, but there are not enough resources for everyone. The population continues to grow. Poverty, famine, and disease creep in. The cycle continues, created, destroyed, and recreated by the ebbs and flows of capitalism. It is both a boon and a pariah on the interdependent global system, its presence simultaneously marking the growth and decline of culture. The purpose of this book is to outline the consequences and costs of the development of the culture of capitalism for people all over the world. The book begins with a historical overview of capitalism, moves into social problems and protests over capitalist expansion, and concludes with a discussion of possible scenarios for the future. Robbins takes a problems-based approach, focusing on social problems such as hunger, poverty, environmental devastation, disease, gender issues, social conflict, and what citizens must know about their own culture to understand the culture of others and the scope of social problems. Historians, anthropologists, economists, sociologists, and political scientists.

About the Author

Richard H. Robbins is an anthropologist at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh with an interest in applying anthropology, as well as other disciplines, to the understanding of global problems. His other publications include Talking Points on Global Issues: A Reader and Darwin and the Bible: The Cultural Confrontation. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 422 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 1 edition (August 14, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205193374
• ISBN-13: 978-0205193370
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,795,645 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great textbook!, July 8, 1999

By 

Quickhappy "quickhappy" (Big city, big country) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (Paperback)

At last: a textbook which confronts the cultural power of capitalism. Robbins looks at how capitalism shapes cultures and how it has evolved into the most powerful cultural influence on the planet. A great resource for anthropology, geography, or history. Not your run of the mill textbook, it offers forceful critiques and compelling history. An excellent book for college students.

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for anyone who cares about the world today!, August 23, 2001

By 

Valerie Guay "book lover" (Hornell, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (Paperback)

I admit I'm a little biased. Richard Robbins was actually a professor of mine at SUNY Plattsburgh, and I had the opportunity to read this book while at the same time taking his global issues class. This book not only changed my mind about a few of the world's issues, it also gave me a broader perspective about the world in general. I now think about things such as 'where do my clothes come from?' and 'how did my fruit cup get here?'. Robbins is an extremely talented man and writer who asks the question, 'Is Disneyland for Everyone?' The answer: a resounding 'No, and here's why!' This book would benefit anyone seeking to gain an understanding about the world and his/her place in it. It truly is a global world, and Robbins' book is the first step to living in it.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars way overpriced but worth reading, December 8, 2006

By 

erica2 (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism (3rd Edition) (Paperback)

I've given this three stars simply because it would have to be astounding good to be worth $77, and it's not. It is very good however, and if the price was more like $20 of less, which would be reasonable for an oversized paperback, I would have given it 5 stars. Evidently, because it's a textbook the publisher can get away with this. However, I happened to find a used copy at a college bookstore, and felt I should get it because I have been wanting to better understand globalism, CAFTA, NAFTA, the WTO and the protests against it, the World Bank and how it both helps and interferes, the jobs that are being outsourced to Asia (btw, last time I spoke to Amazon customer service, it was with someone in India!), the seemingly endless reach and power of certain multi-national corporations, etc., and I thought this book would fit the bill. I haven't finished it yet, but it certainly does, and I've been learning a lot from reading it. Thought it definitely has a point of view, I feel it's a more balanced introductory book than the many highly opinionated books written by particular economists and think-tankers who are inevitably trying to persuade rather than educate.