A World of Difference: Society, Nature, Development [Paperback]

Philip W. Porter PhD (Author), PhD Eric Sheppard (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1572303247 | ISBN-13: 978-1572303249 | Publication Date: March 23, 1998 | Edition: 1

Drawing upon a full range of geographic knowledge, this engaging volume assesses the nature and causes of global inequality and critically examines contemporary approaches to economic development. Readers are encouraged to rethink their presuppositions about how development works as they gain a deeper understanding of the interacting dynamics of cultural practices and norms; biophysical factors such as climate, population, and natural resources; and economic and political processes--all of which have led to the present-day disparities between the first and third worlds. Enhanced by a wealth of original empirical data, diagrams, and maps, the book provides the broad-based tools students need to understand what local life is like in the less developed world, why conditions are the way they are, and how marginalized groups can be empowered to participate as equals in the analysis and work of development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A volume of impressive scope, providing careful analysis of both human and physical dimensions of development--from the carbon cycle and the hydrologic cycle, to neoliberal development policies and global financial flows. Moving from dependency thought to the writings of postcolonial scholars across the globe, the authors continually problematize Anglocentric readings of third world' places. Thorough, critical, and imaginative." --Victoria A. Lawson, Professor and Chair, Department of Geography, University of Washington

"A World of Difference is a superb road map to guide the student through the crises, problems, and achievements of third world development in the late 20th century. It is probably impossible to write a textbook which can encompass the complexities of contemporary mass poverty in the third world and the prospects for growth, emancipation, and democratization. A World of Difference is the best we have and perhaps the best we can expect. A model of economic rigor and theoretical clarity, and always attentive to cultural, regional, and historical contrasts, it is an exemplary text." --Michael J. Watts, Director, Institute of International Studies,University of California at Berkeley

"A terrific text for teaching the geography of developing countries. The best there is for upper-division students. A World of Difference deftly handles complex issues in development theory, colonialism, indigenous knowledge, transnational production, and rural and urban land use. The major themes and traditions of geographical research are illustrated in well-chosen case studies that make for cogent classroom presentations. A World of Difference is a challenging yet accessible text that promises to inform the next generation of students on the dynamic and uneven nature of Third World development geography." --Tom Bassett, Professor, Department of Geography, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

"What a wonderfully comprehensive, complete, accessible treatment of the subject. Bravo!" --Michael Maniates, Department of Political Science, Allegheny College, Meadville, PA

About the Author

Philip W. Porter, PhD, is Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota. His research, concentrated mainly in east Africa, has combined themes in cultural ecology, physical geography, political economy, and social theory.

Eric S. Sheppard, PhD, is Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota. His research interests include economic and social theory, the geographical underpinnings of political and economic processes, and development dynamics from the urban to the global scale.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 602 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (March 23, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572303247
• ISBN-13: 978-1572303249
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,447,809 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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