Class and Class Conflict in the Age of Globalization
In this superb and compelling book, Berberoglu revisits the centrality of class relations and class struggle in twenty-first century societies marked by global capitalism, neoliberalism, intensified forms of exploitation and oppression, and emerging social movements. He presents a clear and powerful analysis of the complexities of class dynamics in relation to the historical and contemporary processes of state, national, religious, racial and gender oppression, the crisis of transnational capital, and the possibility of social transformation in the age of globalization. (Walda Katz-Fishman, Howard University, Washington, D.C.)Class and Class Conflict in the Age of Globalizationstands out as one of a handful of efforts to advance a critical class analysis of the political economy of globalization. In addition to addressing the economic polarization and the political repression that have become part and parcel with global capitalism, Berberoglu explains the problems of nationalism and religious fundamentalism in the context of global class conflicts, offering a comprehensive understanding of the social fault lines we confront in this challenging period of human history. (Martin Orr, Boise State University)Class and Class Conflict in the Age of Globalizationoffers an analysis that is concise, creative, and sophisticated. Berberoglu ties together essential factors in today's political terrain: globalization, the state, class conflict, the continued salience of racism and sexism, and the impact of nationalism and religion when they are added to the mix. He confronts the worst of humanity's troubles while offering a concept and framework for understanding our plight and taking action to create change. That concept is social class, the core of the exploitation we see around us locally and globally. However, as Berberoglu writes, social class and class conflict are also the bases of social change, which has fueled our resistance historically and can create the ideologies and social movements to help us find a way forward. (Judy Aulette, University of North Carolina at Charlotte)The book is highly informative and includes a great deal of valid and valuable knowledge, making it worth reading. (Science & Society)