Customer Reviews

Women and Globalization

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The book is accessible to non-academic readers and perfect for college courses in ethnic studies, women's studies, cultural studies, political science, and others. Its primary goal is to expose and analyze globalization's exploitation of poor women, mostly in labor and migration; a secondary goal is to expose and analyze most academics' misunderstandings of this exploitation, a misunderstanding that, according to the closing argument by editor Aguilar, practically re-colonizes the already exploited. Exploitation on all continents and several island nations is covered. But the tone is not desperate and resigned. Rather, the writers here advocate a committed and informed urgency. One contributor argues that "international solidarity is necessary" in the work of ending the exploitation of impoverished women, but she insists that her "global vision" is realizable.

The collection of articles in Women and Globalization is important for activists, scholars, and concerned human beings looking to understand how corporate globalization relies on the exploited labor of women (from around the world) to generate profits. The diverse writings discuss the concrete conditions of women who are working in such places as Mexico, the Philippines, and South Africa. Furthermore, the writings congeal to provide a clear, explanatory, and absolutely critical analysis of a global economic system that is seeping with contradictions. I highly recommend this book! It is an important read with a great balance of case study material and theory.

This book offers an unfiltered analysis and critique of the effects of globalization, past and present, on nations in the developing world. The contributors of the book account for the neoliberal policies implemented by international financial institutions and governments, and how those policies deeply affect peoples' labor and migratory patterns. Additionally, "Women and Globalization" pays particular attention to culture, society, race, economics, the environment, and politics and how they are all interrelated within the circumstances of women's lives, as women are the majority of the world's laborers.

I knew Delia Aguilar at the University of Connecticut and found her to be fearless in her analysis of women and society --it is always worthwhile reading what she has to say.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about the effects of globalization on women. Delia Aguilar and Anne Lacsamana's book is essentially a compilation of articles written by various people concerned with exposing the horrendous conditions women face due to globalization's neoliberal policies. The essays explore a wide range of issues affecting Third World women, including the effects of structural adjustment programs, the conditions in sweatshops, sex trafficking, etc. While some of the articles can be a bit lengthy and dry, the book contains a wealth of invaluable information--this is a must read for anyone who doubts the negative effects of globalization!