Book Report on Anthropology of Globalization by Lewellen

Posting-wk-9 It was a long, difficult reading of a technical-term-loaded text, but immensely enjoyed! So much more to be said, but I stop here. I look forward to your lively, insightful interactions and discussions. Major Learnings Chapters 1-2 o Contemporary globalization is an on-going process of not just economic flows, but also cultural flows—the increasing flow of trade, finance, culture, ideas, and people brought about by the technology of communication and travel and by the worldwide spread of neoliberal capitalism†¦ (7). o Globalization is a reality, as well as regionalization and localization. Neoliberal capitalism has a global dominance; regionalism, localization, and globalization form a single, unified system†¦show more content†¦o Sometimes these changes are brought about by discourse, which it the deliberate control of thoughts and actions in a particular place or period (73). However, we even need to deconstruct development discourse. Developers and anthropologists may carry hegemonic philosophy, power discourse and ideology in their approaches to development (75). The dominant discourse must be deconstructed to reveal inherent presuppositions and assumptions, especially those that assert power and control on others (41). o Development transforms women in very different way (e.g., in labor). Development programs often fail to notice local discourses (85). Women need a voice and â€Å"some control over their lives and communities† (Amen!). Missiological Implications 1. The degree of globalization may vary from culture to culture. Globalization is a global, cultural phenomenon. As anthropology practicing missiologists, our tasks of mission must include a study of the history of globalization in the field of mission in which we opearte. Globalization shapes and reshapes culture and consumerism affects every fabric of life in that culture. In order to be a change agent to bring about culture change, we must know what â€Å"culture† we are talking about. 2. Lewellen suggests that contemporary cultural anthropologist should look for not only differences but also similarities, not