America Transformed: Globalization, Inequality, and Power

In this book, a key question is discussed: what is the effect of globalization on societal level inequality? Intended for undergraduates, the book investigates the links between global processes and shifting patterns of stratification, inequality, and social mobility. Most books directed at undergraduates tend to separate discussions of micro-level processes (finding work, e.g.), or macro-level processes (shifting economic structures, e.g.), or global inequality (between societies) without making concrete the connections between the different levels. This book will integrate discussions of both literature and provide sociology students with analytical and conceptual tools to define, understand, and assess the assumptions and positions within the globalization debate. In addition, the book will illustrate how global processes are linked to stratification and inequality in general, but particularly in the United States. Policy issues raised by globalization will be discussed, with an eye towards identifying innovative and effective community-based responses to social inequality.