Synopses & Reviews
This book examines the debates around modernity and post-modernity from the viewpoint of feminist theory. Marshall argues that, despite the differences between classical debates about modernity and the more recent controversies concerning the alleged 'end of modernity', both sets of debates share something in common: they tell a one-sided story which neglects the role of women and the significance of gender in the formation of contemporary societies.
Marshall begins by re-examining classical social theory and the ways in which women figured as a 'strategic absence' in classical debates about capitalism and modernity. She then examines a range of more recent debates, including the development of socialist feminist theory and its impasses; the various attempts to theorize subjectivity; the analysis of the role of the state and political discourse in regulating gendered identities; and the claim that the project of the Enlightenment, with its emphasis on autonomy and emancipation, has exhausted itself in the late twentieth century.
Marshall is sceptical of some of the stronger claims of post-modern theorists and she argues that the project of modernity, flawed as it is, still contains considerable potential to ground an emancipatory practice. But she also argues that, if we wish to understand the nature and development of modernity, we must give more attention to questions of gender. Hence feminist theory, together with post-colonial and anti-racist theories, have the potential to revitalize and enrich a critical social theory of modernity.
Review
'This beautifully written book, drawing on a rich experience of scholarship and engagement, offers us a new language with which to comprehend the uncharted terrain of the contemporary world. Terms like "predatory globalization" or "normative democracy" among others brilliantly encapsulate some of the key issues of our time - the current ways of human suffering as well as the new hopes for human emancipation.'
Mary Kaldor, Global Civil Society Programme, London School of Economics 'Falk's Predatory Globalization is a most insightful turn-of-the-century intellectual contribution. It defines clearly the humane underpinnings of a vibrant world community that allows and encourages much needed ideological mobility and cross-fertilization. Anticipating the 21st century trends, Falk proves once again he is at the vanguard of raising our collective consciousness.' Clovis Maksoud, Director, Center for the Global South, American University
This is a very well written and refreshing text focusing on a realistic analysis of the most pressing issues, and the focus on normative aspects of international relations theory away from a world of pretence realism is very much welcome.' The Ethics Conflict Research Digest
'A welcome contribution to the voluminous literature on globalization.' The Journal of Politics
Review
'A timely and interesting contribution ... this book provides an excellent summary of environmental concerns for social scientists ... this book can be warmly recommended.'
Sociology 'For students of Women's Studies requiring a graduate level introductory survey of modernism from a sociological point of view, this book could serve as a kind of scenic flight high above the terrain.' Women's Philosophy Review
'It will be a useful text for upper level sociology students who have some familiarity with the fields and debates under discussion. It will also encourage the bridging of two continuing gaps: that between sociology and feminist theory ... the format is clear and signposted well enough for readers to find a way through this dialogue between (some) feminist and sociological theories.' Australian and New Zealand Journal of Sociology
Synopsis
Trends towards economic globalization are changing the world in fundamental respects.
Synopsis
In this bold text, Richard Falk puts forward a strong case for challenging some features central to the current version of globalization. As trends towards economic globalization are changing the world in fundamental respects, this book asks whether it is possible to restore the compassionate and responsible state given present global conditions. The book revolves around the question of whether globalization can be transformed so as to better serve the interests of the population of the world.
Synopsis
In this book Barbara Marshall argues that the debates around both modernity and postmodernity neglect the role of women and significance of gender in the formation of contemporary societies.
About the Author
Richard Falk is Albert G. Milbank Professor of International Law and Practice at Princeton University.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
Part I. Diagnosing the Challenge:.
1. Democratizing, Internationalizing, and Globalizing: A Collage of Blurred Images.
2. Co-opting the Sovereign State.
3. On the Political Economy of World Order.
4. A Regional Approach to World Order.
Part II: Substantive Dimensions:.
5. The Illegitimacy of the Non-Proliferation Regime.
6. The Quest for Human Rights.
7. The Outlook for UN Reform: Necessary but Impossible.
Part III: New Directions:.
8. Resisting "Globalization-from-Above" through "Globalization-from-Below".
9. Global Civil Society: Perspectives, Initiatives, Movements.
10. Recasting Citizenship.
11. Toward Normative Renewal.
Notes.
Index.