Many Possible Worlds: An Interdisciplinary History of the World Economy Since 1800

This book provides a cross-disciplinary account of how the global subsistence economy has transformed into a global complex delivering unprecedented levels of material production and consumption, homogenizing and diversifying societies and individuals, and opening up many possible worlds. It consists of 30 chapters organized into 10 subsets, with major regional and topical discussions and small discussion boxes focusing on illustrative cases and details. The last chapter contains over-arching conclusions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 1035 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate transformation of the global subsistence economy around 1800, evolving into a complex global system that has witnessed unprecedented levels of material production and consumption. By drawing upon significant insights from economics, history, sociology, anthropology, psychology, politics, and environmental studies, the analysis explores the reciprocal influences between societal changes and individual perceptions, including notions of race, gender, and identity. This intricate interplay has resulted in both homogenization and diversification of societies and individuals, offering a multitude of possible worlds from both individual and collective perspectives. However, the rapid pace and scale of these changes have also brought forth significant existential challenges.

The book is structured into 30 chapters, divided into 10 sections of 3 chapters each. The first chapter introduces a key concept, the second chapter provides a historical narrative centered around a specific year, and the third chapter explores a relevant cross-cutting theme. Throughout the book, there are small discussion boxes that highlight illustrative cases and provide detailed information. The concluding chapter summarizes the main findings.

The book offers a rich regional and topical analysis, with a particular focus on business and organizational change and developing world scholarship. It provides a comprehensive and multidisciplinary perspective on the complex processes that have shaped our world, shedding light on the interplay between society, individuals, and the environment.

Weight: 1487g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811992803
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023