Unit 8 Introduction
Reading: Chapter 9 in Macionis, pp. 243 - 269
Unit 8 expands on the concept of stratification and applies it to global society, emphasizing the relative differences in wealth, stature and access to resources among nations. A key insight is that today we can talk about a truly global society, in other words, a system by which people around the world are integrated under a common set of rules, assumptions, and institutions.
 Fig. 8-1: McDonald's, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Today you hear the term globalization a lot. Sociologists use the term globalization to refer to the many processes that are moving us towards a globally integrated society. Integration is facilitated by increased trade and migration across national borders, large corporations and other private entities with operations in many countries, a sophisticated communications infrastructure that allows you to be in contact with someone almost anywhere on Earth instantly, and decreasing costs of transportation.
In Unit 8 we will examine the nature of the global system of stratification, distinguish characteristics of high-income, middle-income and low-income countries, and study theories of global social change in the post-World War II period that explain how a global system of stratification has emerged.
You will come away with a greater appreciation for the interconnections between people around the world and how nation-states and transnational corporations have organized to advance a global society. You also will learn about some of the threats that global society poses to our well-being.
GO TO WEEK 8 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES>>>
<<<GO TO WEEK 6 THRU 10 SCHEDULE