Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-07.pdf · 1-----Social...

9
- 1------------------- Social & Behavioral Sciences Meek (Michigan) offers a thorough and engaging description of the efforts to revive Kaska, an Athabascan language spoken in the Yukon, Canada. "lllc author presents the context of the current Kaska language situation by discussing the hisrorical and sociocultural factors involved in the shift from Kaska to English. She rhen discusses efforts in language revival that began in the 1970s and continue until the present. She gives not only the historical and social contexts but also rhe personal and professional ones, discussing her own background, rraining, and participation in the language program. Throughout the book, Meek discusses broader issues of language endangerment and revival, going beyond just looking at linguistic and educational practices by placing revival efforts in the broader social, cultural, and political contexts. She also combines personal experience with a theoretical perspective, thus making her book useful not only for those interested in Kaska but also for rhose wirh broader scholarly interests. Useful supporting material includes demographics, maps, transcriptions of conversations, transcriptions of language lessons, and examples of teaching materials. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Allievels/libraries.-C L. lhompson, Indiana University-Purdue Universit)1, Fort Wrl)'ne 48-6384 HV6433 2010-17607 CIP Ochs, Juliana. Security and suspicion: an ethnography of every- day life in Israel. Pennsylvania, 2011. 204p bibl index afp ISBN 9780812242911, $47.50 111e book's title belies its sophistication, depth, and wide appeal. Ochs, an American whose fieldwork in Israel in 2004-5 is a fine anthropological study, goes beyond "the specifically social effects and cultural character of national security." She explores how Israeli Jews construct images of security threats and normalize perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors that nor only provide a sense of security, but create obstacles to "meaningful resolution to conflict" by making Palestinians invisible and politics "inconsequential." 'The author's honest, conceptually strong, and well-written presentation focuses only on Israeli Jews, specifically, the she was closest to and the activities she engaged in for a limited time in Jerusalem and Arad. Ochs skillfully locates her ethnographic work-not a psychological study (despite close attention to fear and anxiety), but an examination of everyday life and its intersection wirh state security and nation building-in the contemporary history and political economy of Israeli society. Chapters are built around rhe reconstruction of Cafe Hillel following a suicide bombing, perceived vulnerability and fear, and the "fantasies" of their normalization in practices of commuting, the "domestication of security" in home design and decor, and tours of the separation wall. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduates and above.-G. M. Masse)" emeritus, University of Wyoming 48-6385 El09 2010-42149 CIP Polynesians in America: pre-Columbian contacts with the New World, ed. by Terry L. Jones et al. AltaMira, 2011. 359p bibl index afp ISBN 9780759120044, $85.00; ISBN 9780759120068 e-book, contact publisher for price Polynesia is that part of the central Pacific bounded by New Zealand, Hawai'i, and Easter Island, which is about 2,500 miles west of the Chilean coast. '111at would seem too br for even experienced Polynesian seafarers to cross open ocean, but this book's premise is rhat such crossings were not uncommon in pre-Columbian times. 'lhe idea dates back nearly 200 years, to the first suggestions of similarity in such features as culture, myth, language, fishhooks, boat design, and foods like sweet potato and chicken between coastal North and South America and pans of Polynesia. Based on a 2010 symposium, the dozen topical chapters review such similarities from archaeological and other data sources. Ranging hom DNA studies of excavated chicken bones through statistical analyses of human crania (complementing other DNA work) to simple statements of similarity, the reported evidence suppOrtS connections between Polynesia and the Americas that suggest significant pre-Columbian contact. Negative views are not well represented, which violates one of the cenrral principles of science, that hypotheses must survive E:t!sii1cation testing. Nonetheless, as reported in the multiauthored summary, the work presented here indicates that this theory is undergoing a strong revival. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Alllevcls/libraries.-E. De/SOli, CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College 48-6386 E98 2010-22208 CIP Tipi: heritage of the Great Plains, ed. by Nancy B. Rosoff and Susan Kennedy Zeller. Brooklyn Museum/Washington, 2011. 239p bibl in- dex afp ISBN 9780295990774, $60.00 Alrhough filled with photographs of objects and tribal life, this is not a book about tribal an. It is an ethnography devoted to describing tipi culture, past and present, with an emphasis on the continuity of tribal culture. An introductory chapter describing tipis and their associated artifacts is Idlowed by a chapter on tipi living. Subsequent chapters in part J concern contemporary uses of the tipi and describe two tipi liners depicting battle stories; one from the 19th century and one hom Vietnam. An essay on tipi stereotypes attacks the ways in which people have misused and confused tipis and other Native American house types, noting, among other things, that extending a Lakota word to all tribes hides significant differences in meaning and symbolism. Part 2 examines male and females elements of tipi life. Child life and women's arts relate primarily to past tribal days, while two chapters on Kiowa tipis describe the association of tipis with men's status, past and present. For scholars, educators and other interested people, this is a not-to-be missed book that should serve as a model for others. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Alllevelsi libraries.-Mj. Schneidel; emeritll, Uni1Jersity o/Nol'th D(t/wtll B n 48-6387 HD57 2010-27654 CIP Bacon, Terry R. The elements of power: lessons on leadership and influence. AMACOM, 2011. 306p bibl index ISBN 9780814415115, $27.95 Bacon (business consultant) provides insight into what makes a leader powerful and what diminishes a leader's power. In this book, readers will discover that power should not be perceived as bad. 111e author discusses power as a means of influence instead of COntrol. He advises that in today's organizations, leaders have to be more influential than controlling, a difference hom previous generations. Bacon describes the various elements of power: five sources of organizational power (role, resources, information, network, and reputarion); five sources of personal power (knowledge, expressiveness, artraction, character, and history); and one meta-source of power (will). The discussion on each type of power provides currenr national and internarional research on the topic. The book provides examples of leaders who used a power source appropriately and also of leaders whose power was diminished f()l' misuse. '111is book can be read in parts or consecutively and is a 2148 Cli01CL July 2011

Transcript of Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-07.pdf · 1-----Social...

Page 1: Social Behavioral Sciencesweb.lemoyne.edu/keaysht/choice/2011/business-2011-07.pdf · 1-----Social & Behavioral Sciences Meek (Michigan) offers a thorough and engaging description

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Social & Behavioral Sciences

Meek (Michigan) offers a thorough and engaging description of the efforts to revive Kaska, an Athabascan language spoken in the Yukon, Canada. "lllc author presents the context of the current Kaska language situation by discussing the hisrorical and sociocultural factors involved in the shift from Kaska to English. She rhen discusses efforts in language revival that began in the 1970s and continue until the present. She gives not only the historical and social contexts but also rhe personal and professional ones, discussing her own background, rraining, and participation in the language program. Throughout the book, Meek discusses broader issues of language endangerment and revival, going beyond just looking at linguistic and educational practices by placing revival efforts in the broader social, cultural, and political contexts. She also combines personal experience with a theoretical perspective, thus making her book useful not only for those interested in Kaska but also for rhose wirh broader scholarly interests. Useful supporting material includes demographics, maps, transcriptions of conversations, transcriptions of language lessons, and examples of teaching materials. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Allievels/libraries.-C L. lhompson, Indiana University-Purdue Universit)1, Fort Wrl)'ne

48-6384 HV6433 2010-17607 CIP Ochs, Juliana. Security and suspicion: an ethnography of every­day life in Israel. Pennsylvania, 2011. 204p bibl index afp ISBN 9780812242911, $47.50

111e book's title belies its sophistication, depth, and wide appeal. Ochs, an American whose fieldwork in Israel in 2004-5 is a fine anthropological study, goes beyond "the specifically social effects and cultural character of national security." She explores how Israeli Jews construct images of security threats and normalize perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors that nor only provide a sense of security, but create obstacles to "meaningful resolution to conflict" by making Palestinians invisible and politics "inconsequential." 'The author's honest, conceptually strong, and well-written presentation focuses only on Israeli Jews, specifically, the I~llnilies she was closest to and the activities she engaged in for a limited time in Jerusalem and Arad. Ochs skillfully locates her ethnographic work-not a psychological study (despite close attention to fear and anxiety), but an examination of everyday life and its intersection wirh state security and nation building-in the contemporary history and political economy of Israeli society. Chapters are built around rhe reconstruction of Cafe Hillel following a suicide bombing, perceived vulnerability and fear, and the "fantasies" of their normalization in practices of commuting, the "domestication of security" in home design and decor, and tours of the separation wall. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduates and above.-G. M. Masse)" emeritus, University of Wyoming

48-6385 El09 2010-42149 CIP Polynesians in America: pre-Columbian contacts with the New World, ed. by Terry L. Jones et al. AltaMira, 2011. 359p bibl index afp ISBN 9780759120044, $85.00; ISBN 9780759120068 e-book, contact publisher for price

Polynesia is that part of the central Pacific bounded by New Zealand, Hawai'i, and Easter Island, which is about 2,500 miles west of the Chilean coast. '111at would seem too br for even experienced Polynesian seafarers to cross open ocean, but this book's premise is rhat such crossings were not uncommon in pre-Columbian times. 'lhe idea dates back nearly 200 years, to the first suggestions of similarity in such features as culture, myth, language, fishhooks, boat design, and foods like sweet potato and

chicken between coastal North and South America and pans of Polynesia. Based on a 2010 symposium, the dozen topical chapters review such similarities from archaeological and other data sources. Ranging hom DNA studies of excavated chicken bones through statistical analyses of human crania (complementing other DNA work) to simple statements of similarity, the reported evidence suppOrtS connections between Polynesia and the Americas that suggest significant pre-Columbian contact. Negative views are not well represented, which violates one of the cenrral principles of science, that hypotheses must survive E:t!sii1cation testing. Nonetheless, as reported in the multiauthored summary, the work presented here indicates that this theory is undergoing a strong revival. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Alllevcls/libraries.-E. De/SOli, CUNY Herbert H. Lehman College

48-6386 E98 2010-22208 CIP Tipi: heritage of the Great Plains, ed. by Nancy B. Rosoff and Susan Kennedy Zeller. Brooklyn Museum/Washington, 2011. 239p bibl in­dex afp ISBN 9780295990774, $60.00

Alrhough filled with photographs of objects and tribal life, this is not a book about tribal an. It is an ethnography devoted to describing tipi culture, past and present, with an emphasis on the continuity of tribal culture. An introductory chapter describing tipis and their associated artifacts is Idlowed by a chapter on tipi living. Subsequent chapters in part J concern contemporary uses of the tipi and describe two tipi liners depicting battle stories; one from the 19th century and one hom Vietnam. An essay on tipi stereotypes attacks the ways in which people have misused and confused tipis and other Native American house types, noting, among other things, that extending a Lakota word to all tribes hides significant differences in meaning and symbolism. Part 2 examines male and females elements of tipi life. Child life and women's arts relate primarily to past tribal days, while two chapters on Kiowa tipis describe the association of tipis with men's status, past and present. For scholars, educators and other interested people, this is a not-to-be missed book that should serve as a model for others. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Alllevelsi libraries.-Mj. Schneidel; emeritll, Uni1Jersity o/Nol'th D(t/wtll

B n 48-6387 HD57 2010-27654 CIP Bacon, Terry R. The elements of power: lessons on leadership and influence. AMACOM, 2011. 306p bibl index ISBN 9780814415115, $27.95

Bacon (business consultant) provides insight into what makes a leader powerful and what diminishes a leader's power. In this book, readers will discover that power should not be perceived as bad. 111e author discusses power as a means of influence instead of COntrol. He advises that in today's organizations, leaders have to be more influential than controlling, a difference hom previous generations. Bacon describes the various elements of power: five sources of organizational power (role, resources, information, network, and reputarion); five sources of personal power (knowledge, expressiveness, artraction, character, and history); and one meta-source of power (will). The discussion on each type of power provides currenr national and internarional research on the topic. The book provides examples of leaders who used a power source appropriately and also of leaders whose power was diminished f()l' misuse. '111is book can be read in parts or consecutively and is a

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valuable resource f()I" individuals wanting to learn about leadership. It also provides an excellent overview for leaders striving to improve themselves and their leadership influence. Summing Up: Highly recommended.

*** Academic audiences, lower-division undergraduate and above; professionals.- W. A. Garrett; Hoy University

48-6388 HF5429 2010-31430 CIP Berman, Barry. Competing in tough times: business lessons from L.l. Bean, Trader Joe's, Costco, and other world-class retailers. FT Press, 2011. 239p bibl index afp ISBN 9780132459198, $39.99

Despite the title, Berman (Hofstra Univ.) provides insights that are valuable during good times as well as bad. While the analysis and prescriptions are relevant to tough times, as noted in the title, they are in fact sound theory and practice in all business conditions. Berman's suggested strategies and points are generously supported with citations to academic research and illustrated by real-world actions by standout retailers. While this book is apparently intended as a stand-alone work aimed primarily at professionals, it would also serve well as a supplement to a major textbook in an upper-division undergraduate or graduate course. It provides plenty of actionable guidance for managers in a way that promotes understanding of the underlying concepts so that the reader will know the "why" as well as the "what." As a result, students would also better understand the connections between theory and practice. An appendix contains metrics of best-practice retailers in the areas of financial performance, customer service, and worker satisfaction. Summing Up:

Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate through professional readership.-j. Gaskins, Longwood University

48-6389 HD6276 2010-31209 C1P Brinton, Mary C. Lost in transition: youth, work, and instability in postindustrial Japan. Cambridge, 2011. 203p bibl index ISBN 9780521199148, $85.00; ISBN 9780521126007 pbk, $27.99

Brinton (Harvard Univ.) has produced a detailed study of the creation and breakdown of a highly structured system in Japan to move high school graduates, especially fi·om non-elite schools, into the workforce and a proper "station" in life at an appropriate point in their lives. Its origins lie in the immediate post-WW II period and the belief that teachers were the best source of hiring recommendations to employers. Further consolidating and reinforcing this system were labor shortages and the practices oflifetime employment and internal promotion. In the last 15 years, the protracted recession in Japan has caused this system to unravel. To protect senior employees, many Japanese firms have stopped either hiring young people or accepting them into a lifetime employment tracle Young people get "lost" because neither they nor their parents have the skills to deal with this altered situation. 'This book should be read by anyone interested in Japanese society, culture, and industrial organization. Not only is it inreresting in itself, but it has wider implications, revealing the cultural context for many Japanese industrial practices and explaining why they cannot be as easily transferred and duplicated as was initially believed. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections.-c. H. A. Dflssb(lCh, Michigtln Teclmologictll University

CJ 48-6390 [Internet Resource]

Entrepreneurship.gov URL: http://www.entrepreneurship.gov /

[Visited Apr' III E'ntrepreneurship.gov is the product of a partnership between the US Department of Commerce's International Trade

July 2011

Social & Behavioral Sciences '----------"'---'

Administration and the Ewing Marion KaufFman Foundation. 'The purpose of the site is to share best practices and assist entrepreneurs worldwide to succeed in their business ventures. Five tabs appear at the top of the page: Policy Forum (policies and initiatives to promote enrrepreneursbip worldwide), Resource Center (topics on financing, management, marketing, sales, global business policies, investing, and mentoring), Video (e360TY, a channel for entrepreneurs that streams videos oflectures, interviews, and podcasts), Events (current and past enrrepreneurship events), and About (describes the partnership and mission).

Below these tabs, the page is divided into three columns. The right column includes Events and Entrepreneurship Law. The left column, tided Quick Access, contains links to resources on subjects such as finance, accounting, employment, sales, marketing, products and services, and operations. 'This column includes a section called The Entrepreneur, where experienced business owners share tips, tactics, and stories about entrepreneurship. 'Ihe middle column advertises events and competitions and highlights additional resources. The site also contains practical articles such as "Angel Funding for Women and Minorities," "Strategies for Raising Growth Capital in a Turbulent Market," "Passing the Torch of Leadership," "Can Employees Be Friends with the Boss?" and "Angel Financing: Do's and Don'ts for Entrepreneurs," to name a few. A search box for the site is at the top right side of the page. E"ntrepreneurship.gov is a comprehensive site; it is busy but well organized and full of practical ideas for new and aspiring entrepreneurs. See also Entrepreneurship Corner <imp:/ /ecorner.stanford.edu/> (CH, Sep'l 0, 48-0369). Summing

Up: Highly recommended. *** Allievels/libraries.-L. Crlll1acho, Brigham Young University

48-6391 HF5387 2010-27578 CIP Ethical leadership: global challenges and perspectives, ed. by Car­la Millar and Eve Poole. Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 260p bibl index ISBN 023027546X, $90.00; ISBN 9780230275461, $90.00

This collection of 14 essays addresses the general problem of ethics in a global context. Many were originally presented at the 2009 Ashridge International Research Conference, and most were published previously in either the Journal ofPublie AjJt!irs or the Journal of Business Llhies. 'I11e volume is organized into three parts: "Perspectives on rhe Nature of the Challenge," "Perspectives hom Around the World," and "Perspectives for the Future." Most of the essays have multiple authors associated with business programs from various countries and regions, including the UK, Romania, Australia, the US, etc. 'Though uneven in quality and usefulness, all contributions are scholarly, steeped in social science, and rife with references, complex charts, tables, etc. There is not much content on the longstanding philosophical debate over cultural relativism or rights-based or consequentialist moral theories. Although it is not a suitable textbook for undergraduate courses in business, leadership, or business ethics, some graduate professors might find some of the essays useful. However, this is an expensive purchase considering that most of the essays already appear in widely available journals. Summing Up: Optional. * Graduate students and researchers/faculty.-R. F White, College of Mount St. Joseph

48-6392 HD8686 2010-18408 CIP Hensman, Rohini. Workers, unions, and global capitalism: les­sons from India. Columbia, 2011. 415p bibl index afp ISBN 9780231148009, $60.00; ISBN 9780231519564 e-book, contact pub­lisher for price

'lhc real wages ofAmcrican workers have generally declined over

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Social & Behavioral Sciences

the past three decades, and inrernarional competirion is frequently cited as a major factor in hllling incomes. 'Ihis book analyzes the impact of global capitalism on workers and labor organizations, with a fiKUS on India. Aurhorlscholar Hensman describes her approach as "emancipatory action research" because it calls 11)1' a program of change to accompany the social theory. She relics on Marx's explanation of capital accumulation as the driving force behind "globalization," which she views as a new phase of capitalism characterized by the relative powerlessness of national entities to control Hows of money and production. Against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, labor has an opportunity to engage with governments as a means of reducing inequality and stabilizing consumer demand. One of the greatest impediments to workers' organization, illustrated by the Indian example, is a lack of defined rights for workers in the "informal sector." At the international level, workers' rights can be achieved through coordinated collective action and incorporated into codes of conduct and trade agreements. Overall, the author makes a comprehensive and persuasive case f()r global labor rdorm. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduates and above.-·-l<. L. HOf,in; Colorado State University

48-6393 HD60 2010-53018 CIP Jacobsen, Joseph J. Sustainable business and industry: designing and operating for social and environmental responsibility. ASQ Quality, 2011. 190p bibl index afp ISBN 0873898109, $85.00; ISBN 9780873898102, $85.00

Jacobsen (environmental studies, Milwaukee Area 'Icchnical College) has developed a useful introduction to designing and operating sustainably. 'The book begins by explaining why businesses should be environmenrally and socially responsible and follows with examples of ways organizations have used their mission and vision statements to guide and coordinate their cfhms. Chapter 3 discusses ISO 9000, 14000, and 26000 as methodologies to bring firms to quality environmental management systems. 'TIle next chapter provides an extensive overview of social and environmental performance indicators for companies to understand their progress in reducing their carbon footprints, including 80 social and environmental measures. The author moves on to discuss the calculation of a return on a responsible investment (RORI) and the development of a project feasibility study, with an emphasis on maintaining business profitability while improving environmental performance. In chapter 6, Jacobsen explains how traditional continuous improvement methods can be bolstered to support an integrated social and environmental project. The book also discusses in great detail the use of the LEED rating system for green buildings. Working with suppliers on optimization is part of the perspective. Leigh Stringer's the Green Workplace (CH, Apr' I 0, 47-45 I 2) provides a wider range of hands-on green strategies. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All students and professionals/practitioncrs.-C Wonkel, St. John's Univmil)" New York

48-6394 HF5415 2010-31893 (lP Leboff, Grant. Sticky marketing: why everything in marketing has changed and what to do about it. Kogan Page, 2011. 217p index ISBN 9780749460501 pbk, $27.95; ISBN 9780749460518 e-book, con­tact publisher for price

In Stid?) Marketing, Leboff (founder, Sticky Marketing Club) attempts to transfonn marketing's greatest concepts to adapt to the ever­changing environment. 'Jhe rationale is that as technology has changed, so has the essential method needed to market to the target audience. This volume explores both the foundations and new directions of marketing

practice. 'Jhe opening pages oHer a brief story to illustrate the concept of sticky marketing. "Shouting messages" to arrract arrention has lost its efFectiveness, because it no longer creates value among the targered clIstomers. 'lhe new f()clIS is on providing value with an attracrivc product, and engaging customers and emphasizing experiences in order to retain their business. People in today's society gain most of their information hom the Inrernet or fi'om rheir own personal networks, often knowing what they are seeking from the onset. 'lhis book affords a detailed examination of the ways in which the world is evolving in the 21st cenrury. It is best suited as a supplementary resource IDr college students or as a handbook f()r business professionals. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Lower- and upper-division undergraduates and protCssionals/practitioners.--S. D. Clark, Sf. John's University (Ny)

48-6395 HD5854 Can. CIP Lewchuk, Wayne A. Working without commitments: the health ef­fects of precarious employment, by Wayne Lewchuk, Marlea Clarke, and Alice De Wolf. McGill-Queen's, 2011. 335p bibl index ISBN 9780773538276, $95.00; ISBN 9780773538283 pbk, $29.95

-l1lis book comes at an especially appropriate time, given the debates in the US over health care and rhe disputes over the rights of unions in the public sector. It begins by summarizing the evolution of the "employment-relationship," indicating that society may be returning to an earlier time ofless-secure employment and employee benefits. 'The hypothesis, referred to as the "job strain" model, is that workers' rights to a job are determinants of workers' health. 'The more precarious and tentative jobs are, the less healthy and theref(ll'e less productive the workers. Tc) test their claims, the aurhors (Canadian academicians and researchers) examine the Canadian labor market, though extensions to the US are obvious. Dramatic rrends toward less-ccrtain employment began in the 1980s, even though job tenure statistics do not secm to capture the change. Many of the f1ndings are derived from a popularion-based survey of the Tc)ronto area. In addition, there were two set of interviews in 2006 and 2007. 'Ihe authors discuss how changes in the employment relationship and the idea of job commitment have significant implications for the role of government in rhe labor market. Extensive bibliography. '[he book is quite accessible ro anyone in the social sciences. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Lower-division undergraduate through professional readership.-J H O'Connell, emeritus, College of H00' 0'0.15

48-6396 HF5549 2010-42007 CIP Matthewman, Jim. The rise of the global nomad: how to manage the new professional in order to gain recovery and maximize fu­ture growth. Kogan Page, 2011. 198p index ISBN 9780749460150 pbk, $29.95; ISBN 9780749460167 e-book, $29.95

Matthewman (international human capital consultant) describes global nomads as Internet savvy, multilingual, Cenerarion Y professionals who drive economic recovery and the growth of international organizations. 'These individuals fi'equently move from assignment to assignment and are part of the world economic recovery centered in the Middle East and the Far East. Matthcwman bases this work on discussions and interviews with companies, colleagues, and fi'iends, as well as feedback from con!Crences and available economic statistics. -l1le first half of rhe book describes the new world economy, including the growing importance of developing markets, and discusses how the workplace is changing as a result of younger employees. J n the second half, Matthewman focllses on how organizations can manage these global nomads by providing purpose and career development,

2150 Cl IOlCF July 2011

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dcmonstrating ethical values, and mainraining a results orientation through cmployee engagement. '1 he best part of the book is chapter 14, which provides 12 corporate perspectives on the global nomad from organizations stIch as General Electric, Barclays Bank, Cisco Systems, and Standard Chartered Korea. A related book focusing on a more recent generation is Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman's the M-Factor: How the Millennird Generationlr Rocking the Wor/,plrlce (CH, Jan'11, 48-2784). Summing Up: Recommended. ** Business managers and professors, and upper-division alld graduate business students.----G. E. J{mrpim, Boise State Unillersity

48-6397 HD60 2010-31429 CIP Next generation business strategies for the base of the pyra­mid: new approaches for building mutual value, [ed.] by Ted Lon­don and Stuart L. Hart. FT Press, 2010. 249p bib I index afp ISBN 9780137047895, $35.00

In the HJrtlme at the Bot/om of the Pyramid (CH, Ocr'05, 43-1 (63), C. K. Prahalad first drew attention to the immense size, urgent need, and economic potential of billions of impoverished humans at the bottom of the world economic pyramid (BoP). Since publication of Prahalad's book, numerous works have appeared on flnding workable means to implement Prahalad's vision, e.g., Entrepreneurial Solutions fbI' Prosperity in BoP Mm-!,ets by Eric Kacou (CH, Jun'11, 48-58(1). In this new work, editors London (Univ. of Michigan) and Hart (Cornell Univ.) contend rhat evolving strategies must seck to "create" rather than "lind" a fortune at the bottom of the pyramid, along with seeking greater understanding of the local communities involved. Many new approaches for BoP businesses spring from the nine essays thar make up the heart of the volume. Also included is a dedication to C. K. Prahalad and a list of attendees at a 2009 conference, which provides a guide to many of those interested in this issue. Clearly, much work remains to be done to alleviate BoP poverty while achieving adequate profits for entrepreneurs attempting to build businesses in these markets. 'This book represents a step in that direction. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Lower­division undergraduate through professional readership.--W. C. Struning, emeritus, Seton Hall Unillersity

G48-6398 [Internet Resource] Young Money URL: http://www.youngmoney.com/

[Visited Apr'11] 'This informative, user-friendly site, geared to

young adults, fClCuses on but is not limited to money management, entrepreneurship, careers, investing, technology, and travel. 'Etbs across the top of the home page link users to the main sections: Calculator! 'Tools, Careers, Entrepreneurship, Investing, Personal Finance, and Stock Market Game. Each of these main sections is broken down into smaller areas of interest. For example, under the Entrepreneurship tab are links to an Entrepreneurship 101 section in the left column; feature articles on the topic in the center column; and in the right column, a Tag Cloud as well as a box displaying most read, most e-mailed, and "most comments" articles for the whole site. The Personal Finance tab contains articles grouped under money management, credit basics, credit reports, paying f()r college, and getting out of debt. 'lhe Careers section includes articles and advice on career development, with several subsections such as Career 'Ii-ends, Career Fields, Internships, Resume 'rips, and I nterview Tips.

Todd Romer started Young MIJIley in 1996 as a magazine offering l-inancial advice to teenagers and young adults and in 2002 shifted the focus to the college-age market. ']his site became rhe online version of the

July 2011

Social & Behavioral Sciences L-__ -':='--1

print magazine, which is no longer published. A free e-mail newsletter is available, as well as subscriptions options through Ftlceboo/;:, 7iuitter, and an RSS feed. A particular appeal of this site is the variety and practicality of articles on personal finance and entrepreneurship. A Coogle-like search box makes it easy to locate in!-Cmnation. This site will help young investors, undergraduate and graduate students, and entrepreneurs understand careers, money management, and flnancial issues. Summing Up: Recommended. ** All students and young adulrs.-S C. Awe, UniIJersity of New Mexico

o 48-6399 HD82 2010-46027 ClP Back on the road to serfdom: the resurgence of statism, ed. by Thomas E. Woods Jr. lSI Books, 2010. 234p index ISBN 193519190X, $29.95; ISBN 9781935191902, $29.95

In 1944, economist Friedrich Hayek wrote The Road to Se/iaom, warning that greater government control over the economy, as promoted by socialists, would result in the serfdom of the individual, with a loss of liberty as well as economic well--being. In Brick on the Road to Seliaom, editor Woods (Ludwig von Mises Institute) has compiled a collection that carries that theme to the present. Contributors argue that greater governmental intervention is again taking the US down the path to the loss of individual choice and also toward economic decline. A theme of the volume is that expanded government damages not just the economy but also the moral character of the people. Citizens get an entitlement mentality, and entrepreneurial energy becomes misdirected toward seeking favors from government. Empirical backing for the rheme includes Sweden's retreat from its welfare state model. Another insight is that, contrary to popular thought, large business welcomes regulation as stifling competition from smaller and newer flrms, and that elected officials pressure corporations to engage in lobbying to avoid unfavorable legislation. 'TI)e chapter on "cultural serfdom" reveals the sllllrilying effect of governmental control of television content. The book achieves its purpose of updating Hayek's warning. Summing Up: Recommended. ** All readership levels.-F .E. FoldllalJI, Srlnta Clara UniIJers;ty

48-6400 H09 2010-49422 CIP Bartik, Timothy J. Investing in kids: early childhood programs and local economic development. W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employ­ment Research, 2011. 415p bibl index afp ISBN 9780880993739, $45.00; ISBN 9780880993722 pbk, $20.00

This book combines a thorough review of the economics literature on local economic development with a particularly timely analysis of the effects of top-notch pre-K schooling on the local economy. Barrik (senior economist, Upjohn Institute for Employment Research) has often written about the value to local communities of economic development, though most of his work has been to analyze the value of alternative business arrangements. Here he describes how organizations for children's education can also have a long-running positive effect on local communities. 'nle first part of the book will be of interest to anyone who needs to catch up on what is known about the economics of local area development. The second half considers the various effects of early childhood programs on local employment and economic development. Bartik is optimistic about the advantages of such action, but the (sometimes very) detailed footnotes alert the reader to alternative results.

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Lo ng bi bliography; several appendixes are ava ilable only on the publisher Web site. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers; students, upper-division undergraduate and up; researchers; professionals.- H. Kaspel; Oberlin College

48-6401 HB71 2010-12135 ClP Basu, Kau shik. Beyond the invisible hand: groundwork for a new economics. Princeton, 2011. 273p bibl index afp ISBN 97806911 3716~$2995

Adam Smith has taken some hits oflate, and assumptions in The Wealth 0/ Nations have been challenged. The "behavioral bunch" asks whether people are rational; the financial meltdown of2007- 10 forces one to question the macroeconomic stabili ty of markets. In this volume, economist Basu (Cornell Univ. ) posits that individual self-interes t and free markets that ignore culture and societal norms are inconsistent with optimal societal outcomes. He states his challenge and miss ion in the preface: "This book is an attempt to give form to the dissenting voice" and is "primarily a critique of mainstream economics." He looks at the discipline's tenets and its alleged benefits : Do market pressures reduce discriminat ion? Do free markets and the tide of globalization raise all boats or just a few yachts? Most everything turns on the author's constant concern about equi ty (as opposed to the economist's usual emphasis on efficiency), and thus the frequent use of descriptors such as "exploited ," "cheated," "outwitted ," and "complacency." Rarely does a tract-and that is what this vo lume is, though it is a significant one- juxtapose Smith and Kafka. The endnotes and references are valuable guides for intelligent lay readers and scholars alike. Summing Up: Recommended. ** General readers, students at all levels, facul ty, researchers, professionals.-A. R. Sanderson, University o/ Chicago

48-6402 HB99 2011-3109 MARC Beckerman, Wilfred. Economics as applied ethics: value judge­ments in welfare economics. Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 269p bibl indexes ISBN 9780230278363, $85.00; ISBN 9780230278370 pbk, $35.00

Welfa re economics, with its utility possibility frontiers and social welfare functions, has always fo rced economists to the edge of philosophy. In this book, Beckerman (emel'. , Univ. of Oxford, UK) eloquently blurs the positive-normative distinction with carefully reasoned philosophy and economic logic while being respectful of the tool kit employed by the economic mainstream. While a solid grasp of welfare economics is a prerequisite for understanding the nuances of the arguments, many chapters illuminate important issues for everyone interes ted in the intersection of philosophy and economics. Q ues tions entertained include the following: What ethical issues inform the way people link their choices with their welfare? How are individual welfare and societal welfare related? What va lues relate to resource distribution initially and over time? What boundaries define a context for welfa re? What is a life worth , and what va lues and discounting procedures are needed to deal with intergenerational welfare? These topics and more are woven together wi th real-world examples and hypothetical situations in ways that capture the reader's imagination. Descrip tions and critiques of utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Rawlsian justice, Pareto optimali ty, and Aristotelian happiness fl ow through the pages, reflectively blending economics, ethics, and philosophy. Definitely an importan t read. Summing Up: Essential.

**** Upper-division undergraduate th rough professional library collections.-j. Halteman, Wheaton College

48-6403 HB72 2010-12669 CIP DeMartino, George F. The economist's oath: on the need for and content of professional economic ethics. Oxford, 2011 . 257p bibl index afp ISBN 9780199730568, $35 .00

DeMartino decri es the lack of ethical training in graduate economics programs and the lack of a code of ethics for those who practice what he regards as partisan, biased work by hired-gun marketplace consultants. "This situation is intolerable," he laments. And from his mile-high soapbox, DeMartino, an economist at the University of Denver, chastens this "profession of consequence" (perhaps Sanskri t ge ts a pass). Economists have been subject ,to direct assaults for many alleged sins- believing that people are rational and markets are efficient; the lack of a coherent plan to address wo rld poverty; not being more aware of the impending global crisis (circa 2005 and counting). In recent years, seemingly harmless code words- pluralism and heterodoxy- have sprung up to nip at the heels of mainstream economists; now add ethics. The book pursues two broad themes: it makes the case for professional economics ethics and explores possible content. In addi tion to helpful in­chapter notes, there are 15 pages of references. The volume's main value will be as grist for arguments and guffaws in posh bars where economists spend their consulting checks. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Graduate, research, and professional collections.-A. R. Sanderson, University o/Chicago

48-6404 \\~ HT361 'iJ.}/",,?O'v 2010-34609 CIP Glaeser, Edward. Triumph of the city: how our greatest invention makes us richer, smarter, greener, healthier, and happier. Pen­guin Press, 2011. 338p bibl index ISBN 9781594202773, $29.95

In this book, economist Glaeser (Harvard Univ.) popularizes decades of quantitative research on the workings of US cities. Concerned primarily with the determinants of growth, he argues that cities prosper because of their human capital. Dense concentrations of educated people share knowledge, collaborate, and give rise to innovations that increase productivity. By doing so, they expand wealth and attract more investment that, in turn, creates more jobs. Such cities continue to prosper as developers build office buildings and residences, thereby keeping rents low and homes affordable. Government regulations that block new construction only harm these cities. If such cities attract poor migrants, it is because they offer innumerable opportunities for upward mobility. Cities are also "greener" than their primary alternative-the suburbs. Urban residents consume less energy per capita, and cities dampen the expansion of energy-inefficient sprawl. Glaeser proclaims cities are "our species' greatest invention." Illustrated with a wealth of stories about individual ci ties from around the world and anecdotes of urban life, Triumph o/the City is a celebration of human ingenui ty and a paean to the city. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** General readers; al l levels of students; professionals.-R. A. Beauregard, Columbia University

48-6405 HB3722 2010-45444 CIP The Great recession and developing countries: economic im­pact and growth prospects, ed. by Mustapha K. Nabli. World Bank, 2011. 634p bibl index ISBN 9780821385135 pbk, $35.00; ISBN 9780821385142 e -book, contact publisher for price

Prepared by the World Bank, this volume examines the impact of the recent worldwide recess ion and financial crisis on developing countries' economic performance; macro and micro policy responses by these countries; and medium- and long-term implications of the crisis for growth, poverty reduction, and development. These issues are evaluated in ten case

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studies covering a diverse group of developing countries (Brazil, China, Ethiopia, India, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, 'ltuley, and Viernam), Briefcommenrs by a World Bank .Ita Her supplement each country chapter. A brief inrroducrory chapter summarizes in general terms the "findings" of these case studies, 'lhree broad lessons/conclusions arc drawn from the varied countries srudied: (l) the importance of national savings in reducing external vulnerability; (2) sound domestic policies, markets, and institutions to encourage investment and the absorption of new technology, which are critical to benefit from globalization; and (3) major changes in the economic roles of different regions of the world economy, with a decline in the economic power of major countries vis-a­vis emerging markets, This study would have benefited from extracting from the case studies which specific policies and reforms increase developing countries' resilience to major external shocks, Summing Up: Recommended, ** Professionals and general readers,-C I Siegman, retired, Fedeml Reserve Board/International Monetary Fund

48-6406 HC470 2010-48990 CIP Haggard, Stephan. Witness to transformation: refugee insights into North Korea, by Stephan Haggard and Marcus Noland. Peter­son Institute for International Economics, 2011. 182p bibl index ISBN 0881324388 pbk, $23.95; ISBN 9780881324389 pbk, $23.95

North Korea remains a country in the shadows, with very limited information available to social scientists and others wishing to analyze living conditions and the trajectory of social transformation, Haggard (Univ, of California, San Diego) and Noland (Peterson Institute) provide a glimpse into that world via interlocutors who Bed the "Hermit Kingdom" for China or Somh Korea, simultaneously throwing light on the extraordinary plight of these refugees, particularly the fragile state of life filr those living illegally in China and risking the constant threat of being returned. 'The collapse of the North Korean economy since 1990 is well documented, However, intimate details of daily life in North Korea are sorely lacking. Nevertheless, this volume makes a significant contribution to knowledge of North Korean life and institutional changes that have followed upon the disintegration of the Soviet Union, including the impact of food shortages and intensified political and economic repression, The text makes quite clear that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (D PRK) is a society on the brink. 'I11e explosions recently witnessed in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya could pale in comparison to a future struggle for control over the DPRK Summing Up: Highly recommended, *** Public and academic library collections,-S, I Gabriel, Mount H00'olee College

48-6407 HC79 2010-27020 CIP Hahnel, Robin. Green economics: confronting the ecological crisis. M,E. Sharpe, 2011, 259p bibl index afp ISBN 9780765627957, $85.95

Hahnel, an academic economist, is concerned that "every theoretical framework for analyzing the relations between our economic activities and the natural environment remains incomplete and Hawed," In this volume, he docs not aim to provide an alternative framework, but rather to present the dominant frameworks from "mainstream" economics, e,g" cost-bendit analysis, economic growth, and the Coase theorem, along with a discussion of their limitations, Overall, the volume offers a good review and critique of neoclassical methods, Its primary weakness is that the references are out-of-date, Academic environmental economics has come a long way since the days of Adam Smith, and there has been significant work in institutional, behavioral, and bioeconomics, as well as interdisciplinary work that is pushing the boundaries of "mainstream"

July 2011

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environmental economics, Omitting references to this literature gives an incomplete view of current research in the field, 'Tl1e most valuable contribution of this book is the section on climate change, which details the history of international climate negotiations; an exercise on climate change treaties can be implemented in the classroom, Summing Up: Recommended, ** Ceneral and undergraduate collections.--A, M, ChrlUdhl)1 Cali/omit/ State U71ilJersity

48-6408 RA418 2010-50929 MARC Health inequality and development, ed. by Mark McGillivray, In­dranil Dutta, and David Lawson. Palgrave Macmillan/United Nations University-World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER),2011. 200p bibl index ISBN 023028065X, $100,00; ISBN 9780230280656, $100.00

Editors McGillivray (Deakin Univ" Australia) and Dutra and Lawson (both, Univ, of Manchester, UK) have compiled a valuable collection of articles hom 15 leading experts on health inequality and development issues. '111e contributors carefully investigate health-related disparities across and within countries, with an overwhelming emphasis on developing countries. Topics include criteria and indicators for measuring health inequality; the relationship between health and income; and equity issues related to life expectancy; child health, malnutrition, and mortality; health care financing; and women's health. The volume provides many policy recommendations, 'This work is a valuable resource for economists interested in global public health or health economics in developing countries, Although not intended as a textbook, it would make a nice addition to the reading list of any undergraduate or graduate development economics course, See related, RemOlJing the Barriers to Global Health Equity by Theodore H. MacDonald (CH, Sep'09, 47-(315), Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All readership levcls,-·-D. Li, Kansas State UllilJersit),

48-6409 HG2040 2010-3223 CIP Hudson, Michael W. The monster: how a gang of predatory lenders and Wall Street bankers fleeced America-and spawned a global crisis. Times Books, 2010, 365p index ISBN 9780805090468, $26,00

Ihe Monster refers to the "Mortgage Savings Presentation," the sales technique used by First Alliance Mortgage Company (FAMCO) to deceive borrowers of house mortgages, Hudson (Center for Public Integrity), a respected journalist, reports on the methods (with many specific examples) used by FAMCO, Long Beach Saving and Loan, Ameriquest, Argent, and others to make mortgage loans to unqualified (or subprime) borrowers who later found themselves in more financial difficulty, '1 he methods included misrepresentation of interest rates, concealment of important loan provisions, teaser rates and exorbitant resets, loans without documentation ("no-doc" or "stated income" loans), fake W-2s, inHated property appraisals, nonexistent houses, and falsified ages and incomes of borrowers, 'The rise and fall of Roland Arnall, the "founding father of subprime," provides the narrative thread, which is supported by a cast of unscrupulous salespeople who forced predatory mortgages on borrowers who were "weak, meek, and ignorant." 'The subprime loans were transferred to investment banks (Amcriquest had a close connection with Lehman), then bundled ("securitized"), and, with a triple-A rating bestowed by the rating agencies, sold to unsuspecting investors, A realistic but repugnant revelation of relations between lenders and trusting, gullible, and ignorant borrowers in tbe mortgage market-a market fraught with fraud, Summing Up: Recommended, ** General readers and lower-division undergraduate students,-R, A, Millel; emeritus, Wesleyan University

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48-6410 "':}lJ~).)./<-# HG3756 2010-3 1594 ClP Hyman, Louis. Debtor nation: the history of America in red ink. Princeton, 2011. 376p bibl index afp ISBN 9780691140681, $35.00

Debtor Nation is an exceptional piece of scholarship. Beautifully

written, painstakingly documented , and altogether persuasive, the book provides a comprehensive look at the hisrory of co nsumer debt in the US. While all chapters are engrossing, chapters 1, 6, and 7 merit special attention . The first chapter provides an ex tended discussion of the origins

of the modern credit system. Later, in chapters 6 and 7, Hyman, a historian, creates a detailed picture of how America ns have "crea ted our

contemporary indebted society." For exa mple, chapter 6 explores issues of race, class, and gender and how these characte rist ics have affected access ro credit. This book is a must read for anyo ne who wants to understand

the modern credit system in the US. It manages to weave together a long history of developments within America's credit markets in a narrative

that is both fascinating and frightening. Summing Up: Essential.

**** All readers.-F H Smith, Davidson College

48-6411 HB846 2010-19662 CIP The Limits to scarcity: contesting the politics of allocation, ed. by Lyla Mehta. Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2011 (c2010). 270p bibl in­dex afp ISBN 9781844074570, $125.00; ISBN 9781844075423 pbk, $34.95 ~

Editor Mehta (Univ. of Sussex, UK) has compiled a multifaceted yet

coherent and constructive co llection that critiques mainstream political and economic narratives of scarcity. The volume's 14 essays challenge both the notion of relative scarcity, which is at the co re of neoclassical

economic thought, and the co ncept of absolu te scarcity, which underlies

the neo-Malthusian view of limits to growth. Each entry offers a nuanced approach to scarcity, highlighting the crucial distinctions among resource finiten ess, experienced scarciry, and socia lly cons tructed scarcity. After

effectively debunking the universali ty of scarcity in political narrative and mainstream economic theo ry, the volume provides applied discuss ions

of scarcity with regard to water, food , and energy issues. Ultimately, the volume demonstrates that the economic and politica l focus on scarcity

masks some of th e real issues and prevents the development of a fairer world . Examples of real issues include uneven power relations in the

access to (natural) resources or the reproduction of inequalities and the accumulation of "illth" in the global pursuit of wealth. A musr read

for researchers, students, and policy makers interested in economics, development issues, natural resources and susta inab ili ty, and local and

global inequity. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** Upper­division undergraduate students through profess ionals.-Q. M Duroy, Denison University

48-6412 HC59 2010-35683 CIP Migration and poverty: toward better opportunities for the poor, ed. by Edmundo Murrugarra, Jennica Larrison, and Marcin Sasin. World Bank, 20 11 . 154p bibl index ISBN 9780821384367 pbk, $40.00

This interest ing volume explores the relationship berween migration and poverty reduction through four case studies, each based on data

from the Living Standards Measurement Surveys, and one chapter on migration policy in developing countries. Many of the contributions are less technica l distillations of research that is avai lab le elsewhere as working

papers or published art icles. Taken as a whole, the volume emphas izes three main points: first, migration has been an effective tool for poverty reduction; second, the poor nevertheless tend to migrate to lower-retLI rn destinations; and third, lower migration costs benefit the poor

disproport ionately. Most convi ncing is the demonstration of the second point, which has not been addressed as co mprehensively elsewhere. The book is least co nvincing on the first point; strategies for identi fy ing the

causal effects of migration on inco me and poverty are genera lly absent or unco nvincing. Overall, th is is recommended reading for specialists in

migration and poverty reduct ion bu t unlikely to be approp riate fo r most

courses. Summing Up: Reco mmended. ** G raduate, resea rch, and profess ional co llections.- P A. Sclmabl, University of DeLaware

848-6413 Open Development, from the World Bank. URL: http://www.worldbank.org/open/

[Internet Resource]

[Visited Apr'll] The World Bank recently began providing free access to more than 2,000 indicato rs related to economics and

development through the Open Data initiat ive <http://data.worldbank. o rg/> (CH, Sep'lO, 48-0059). Open Development, a related site,

"aggregates key examples of the Bank's work in promoting openness and transparency in development, from too ls and knowledge resources

to Bank-wide initiatives." It is organized in three main sections: Open Solutions, Open Data/D ata Resources, and Open Knowledge-Tools.

Open Solu tions features Internet applica tions that are being created to manipulate the data sets and combine them with external data. The Open

Data/Data Resources section links to many World Bank data sources including irs Data Catalog, which co ntains downloadable indicato rs

and data sets. The data sets include databases, preformatted tables, and

reports including the World Development Indicators, World Ban/e Policy Research Papers, and Migration and Remittances Factboo/e, among many

others. The co llection of indicators is searchable o r browsable by country, indicator, or topic.

ll1e Open Knowledge- Too ls section fea tures a se lect ion of apps and too ls for viewing and combining data se ts, as we ll as a Knowledge

Resources area, which links to additional so urces of informat ion. Lastly, a Twitter widget keeps the reader up to date on th e latest feeds related

to Open D evelo pment, and a Blogs link takes the reader to the Wo rld

Bank's blogs. Icons in the Stay Connected area at th e top of the page link to World Bank content ava ilab le o n other social media such as

Facebook, Rieler, and You Tztbe. ll1is reso urce will be useful to anyone seeking economic development data and stat ist ics, and it should become

more valuab le over time as more data so urces and applica tions are

available on the site. Summing Up: Recommended . ** All levels of students, researchers, faculty, and profess ionals.-B. Fagerheim, Utah State University

48-6414 HD4904 2010-50845 ClP Perelman, Michae l. The invisible handcuffs of capitalism: how mar­ket tyranny stifles the economy by stunting workers. Monthly Review, 2011 . 360p index afp ISBN 9781583672303, $75.00; ISBN 9781583672297 pbk, $19.95

Perelman is that rarity among academ ic economists, a pro lific book

writer as wel l as an active academic article author. H is newest book touches on a number of themes from his earlier works, including deep disenchantment with the stancjard neoclassical model of econom ics and

a respect for and engagement with the older economics (or po li tica l economy) texts. 111e particular focus is on the undertreatment of wo rk and working conditions in contemporary econom ics d iscourse. While Perelman cites a few authors working in the subfield of personnel economics (e.g., Edward Lazear), overall he does not provide a fu ll accounting of the modern labor econom ics li terature, much of which

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r f

is concerned with working conditions and how they interact with wages and turnover. In addition, he does not engage the older (but still active) industrial relations literature where many labor economists have also published over the years. As such, the critique of modern economics put forth in this book is not balanced. In addition, Perelman's writing appears to equate the academic discipline of economics with a polirical probusiness stance, and the existing state of business in all its anticompetitive glory with the theoretical model of perfect competition. Nonetheless, Perelman's writings provide a uscful counterweight to free

market ideology. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Craduate and research collections.--]' R Jacobsen, Wesleyan Uni1Je1:rit)'

48-6415 HC59 MARC postcrisis growth and development: a development agenda for the G-20, ed. by Shahrokh Fardoust, Yongbeom Kim, and Claudia Sepulveda. World Bank, 2011. 548p bibl index ISBN 9780821385180 pbk, $39.95; ISBN 9780821385234 e-book, contact publisher for price

'I11is volume purports to discuss key economic development issues in the light of the financial crisis of2007-09, although the connection to the crisis throughout the work is rather tenuous. One attribute of the crisis was the relative protection of developing countries from its full force in the initial stages because of their light exposure to the toxic asset classes at the center of the debacle. 'lhe impact on developing countries occurred mainly in the second stage, as losses in asset prices and the spike in volatility in the developed world went on to depress real economic activity and international trade, transmitting the shock to developing countries through export volumes and prices. This work would have been more inf(ml1ative had it focused on how developing countries' successes through the crisis period may set them up for the next one, given their "graduation" inro wholesale financial flows. It docs not do this. Instead, it oHers a competent general discussion of economic developmenr issues in the modern context. Chapters deal with the G-20 development agenda, multiple centers of economic growth, millennium growth goals, trade and market access, infrastructure, and food security. It is loosely edited, and various contributions are accordingly uneven. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Comprehensive collections, upper-division and graduate and up.-l. WaIte!; New Yorle University

48-6416 HD9502 2010-39472 CIP Repetto, Robert. America's climate problem: the way forward. Earthscan Publications Ltd., 2011. 236p bibl index afp ISBN 9781849712149, $29.95

In this slim tome about the dangers f;lcing the US and the rest of the world as a result of global warming or climate change, economist Repetto makes four noteworthy points. First, because of the presence of "positive feedback effects," climate change can spiral out of control, and this will make it impossible to stop even with substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Second, to deal with the underlying problem eHicaciously, all sections of US society, including households, businesses, and all parts of the government, must be involved. 'Ihird, the best policy for dealing with climate change is an upstream cap-and-trade program that effectively establishes a price on carbon. Finally, greenhouse gas emissions can be drastically reduced by moving to clean, ef11cient energy without signillcantly lowering living standards. 'lhe author overstates the case for taking drastic actions now, and his discussion of price versus quantity control instruments pays insufficient attention to the merits of price control instruments such as carbon taxes. Even so, this book docs a Gne job of explaining why climate change is the most salienr environmental

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problem confronting us today. See related, An Introdllction to Climate Change Economic.\' and PoliC)', by Felix R. FitzRoy and Elissaios Papyrakis

(CH, Jun'l 0,47-5761). Summing Up: Recommended. ** All readership levels.-A. A. 13f1tab)'fll, Rochester Institllte o/7i!Clmology

48-6417 HC415 2010-33392 CIP Rivlin, Paul. The Israeli economy from the foundation of the state through the 21 st century. Cambridge, 2011. 288p bibl index ISBN 9780521190374, $90.00; ISBN 9780521150200 pbk, $31.99

'I his book describes the main factors in the economic development of Israel from tbe late- 19th century, through the establishment state in 1948, to the present day. Rivlin (senior fellow, Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and Afi'ican Studies, Tel Aviv Univ.) has written previous books on economics and economic policy in the Middle Ease 'Illis book appears to be an updated and extended version of his 1992 book 7he isme/i Economy (CH, Dec'92, 30-2204). Given the substantial evolution of the Israeli economy in the intervening years, such a revision is welcome. 'The book begins with an introductory chapter and includes chapters covering the pre-state and 1948-85 periods. Subsequent: chapters proceed thematically, and cover macroeconomic trends and policy, globalization and high technology, tbe economics of defense, Israel and the Palestinians, the economics of religion, the Arab minority, and demographic development and socioeconomic divisions. A conclusion summarizes 11ndings and discusses future prospects. 'Ihe book has tables and figures but is not especially technical. A uscfi.rl introduction to the subject for those who are not specialists in economics or Israel. Summing Up: Recommended. ** All readership levcls.-R. Grossmcm, We.rleyan Universit),

48-6418 RM10 2010-46033 CIP Rodwin, Marc A. Conflicts of interest and the future of medicine: the United States, France, and Japan. Oxford, 2011. 374p bibl in­dex afp ISBN 9780199755486, $29.95

Rodwin (Suffolk Univ. Law School) provides significant context for the ongoing debate over health carc policy. He posits that ''the physician­doctor relationship lies at the heart of medicine," and that this relationship has been strained by conflicts between professional ethics and financial sclfinterests. 'Ihese conHicts are interfaced with the main forms of medical practice and their interaction with the influence of organized medicine on private practice; professional seH~regulation; market competition; and the roles of the state and insurers. The author presents examples from France, Japan, and the US to illustrate such conflicts and how differently the nations cope with them. Of particular interest to American readers are the chapters on the role of markets, including the commercialization of the American medical economy. Rodwin provides broad, well­documented coverage of f1nancing mechanisms and the competing goals of state and markets. Tbe reforms in the three nations have resulted in some moderation of the conflicts of interest. Readers could gain some perspective on the underlying conHicts between government direction and the role of markers with David Cutler's "Equality, Efficiency, and Market Fundamentals: 'The Dynamics ofInternational Medical-Care Reform" in the joumrt! o/Economic Litemtllre 40 (September 20(2): 881-

906. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduate through professional collections.-F W MlIsgJYl1Je,former/y, Ithaca College

48-6419 RA645 MARC Sassi, Franco. Obesity and the economics of prevention: fit not fat. E. Elgar/OECD, 2011 (c2010). 277p bibl index ISBN 1849808600, $125.00; ISBN 9781849808606, $125.00

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Social & Behavioral Sciences

The picture on the cover of this book---displaying healrlly (vcgetables, fish) and unhealthy (hosted doughnuts, fried onion rings, cheeseburger) foods-is worth 1,000 words. Obesity is epidemic and a major healrh concern, causing an increase in healrh care expenditures and a decrease in the qualiry and length of life. ']his volume, initiated by the OECD, provides an overview of trends and future projections of obesiry; discusses the economic costs associated with this major health issue; and examines various government and market strategies designed ro prevent this growing problem. 'llle countries more deeply analyzed arc the US, Austria, Australia, Canada, England, France, Italy, Hungary, Korea, Spain, and Sweden, 11Ie volume contains StatLinks, links to Excel spreadsheets that correspond to the published tables and graphs. Contriburors discuss the multiple causes for the increase in overweight and obese individuals, ranging from a sedentary lifestyle to increased consumption of fast foods and convenience foods, with less time available for meal preparation from raw ingredients. Effective prevention policies are discussed; among OECD countries, information and education campaigns are the most widely used government intervention. See related, Globesit)' by Francis Delpeuch et al. (CH, Nov'09, 47-1455), A timely, valuable volume on a

critical issue. Summing Up: Highly recommended. *** All readership levels.-E. P. Hoffina7'l, emeritus, Weste1'll Michigan Universit)'

48-6420 HC59 2010-28163 CIP Williamson, Jeffrey G. Trade and poverty: when the Third World fell behind. MIT, 2011. 301 P bibl index afp ISBN 0262015153, $35,00; ISBN 9780262015158, $35.00

During the 19th century, growth in pCI' capita income in west European countries and other English-speaking countries markedly outstripped income in the rest of the world. In this volume, Williamson (emer., Harvard Univ.) attempts to explain what caused this "great divergence." He attributes the cause of increased worldwide income inequality during the period to global trade. In accordance with Ricardo's principles of comparative advantage, trade benefited both industrialized and nonindustrialized countries, but the former benefited more than the latter. Industrialized countries specialized in manufacturing; the resr of the world became suppliers of raw materials. Agriculture and mining tended to concentrate incomes in nonindustrialized countries, and that in turn inhibited their domestic economic development. In addition, greater volatility in terms of trade for raw materials and unfinished goods further disrupted their economic development in the 19th century. Experiences cited by the author in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America buttress those observations. Readers should find instructive not only the subject matter but also the empirical evidence and analytic techniques employed by Williamson. Summing Up: Recommended. ** Upper-division undergraduate students through professionals; general readers.-E. L. Whalen, formerly, Clarke College

48-6421 World

HC415 2010-32695 CIP Bank.

Confronting poverty in Iraq: main findings. World Bank, 2011. 88p bibl ISBN 9780821385623 pbk, $20.00

'This volume reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the World Bank. The technical analysis is excellen t. 'This report is based on the Iraq Household Socio-Economic Survey of 2006-07, which produced rich insights into living conditions. 'llle Iraqi Poverty Reducrioll SU'aregy High Committee, working with rhe World Bank, sheds much light on living standards, geographic variations in poverty, education, health, housing, and the various subsidy programs, Detailed data show thaI'

relatively few lraqis are in extreme poverty, but many arc poor, wirh living standards sharply lower than in 1 ')80, and government services {()r rhe poor--other than the food rations or the Public Distribmion Sysrelll (PDS)--are modest. On the negarivc side, rhis srudy barely discusses rhe political context. Iraqis' complaints abour government services center on polirical Civorirism and blatant corruption. '] his is particularly rruc of the PDS, which consrirutes more rhan 13 percent of rhe income of the poor. This report skips over these essential characrerisrics of how government services arc actually delivered. Governance and corruprion merit not one single word in the final chapter, "National Srrategy il)r Poverty Reduction," An electronic version of this report is heely available online dmp:llgo.worldbank.org/6M9ANGOF60>, Summing Up:

Recommended. ** Lower-division undergraduate through professional collections,-R Clawson, Washington Institute/or Near Eelst Polic),

48-6422 HD1333 MARC Zimbabwe's land reform: myths & realities, by Ian Scoones et al. James Currey/Weaver Press/Jacana Media, 2010. 288p bibl index afp ISBN 9781847010247 pbk, $34.95

Most US views of land reform in Zimbabwe come hom media reports of "land invasions," white expropriations, and economic collapse. 'lhe facts in this book willieacl readers to quesrion whether those reports tell rhe whole story. 'This work is based on quantitative and qualitative longitudinal surveys carried om since 2006 on some 400 rural households in four study areas within Masvingo province. 'nle surveys were done with British funding, by a team of British, Zimbabwean, and SOUl'h African researchers. 'lhe resulting volume, in addition to providing full context for its empirical resuirs, destroys most popular myrhs about Zimbabwe's land reform and rural economy. It shows that the results of the land reform program have been highly varied, but perhaps half the new lanclholders arc on upward trajectories, and new rural structures and economies are developing, based on market relations. The authors fully acknowledge that this is a case study of one province and that many problems remain; however, they make a srrong case that smallholder agriculture has a role in the development of southern Africa. An important book for readers interested in Africa or economic developmenr.

Summing Up: Highly recommencled. *** All readership levels and libraries.--j. H. Cobbe, Florida State Uni1!ersit),

48-6423 MT3 2010-12383 CIP Alternative approaches in music education: case studies from the field, ed. by Ann C. Clements. Rowman & Littlefield, 2010. 313p bibl afp ISBN 9781607098553, $90.00; ISBN 9781607098560 pbk, $39.95; ISBN 9781607098577 e-book, $39.95

Many music programs in schools focus almost exclusively on performance, wherher th is manifesrs itself through choirs, orchestras, bands, or other ensembles. 'li'aditionally, these groups practice in ordinary classrooms ancl other perflmllance space, and perilll'l1I in an auditorium, concert hall, or b'Ymnasium. Clements (Pennsylvania State Univ.) has assembled a collection of essays that explore a variery of innovative, exciting, and unusual ways lO work with children in the music classroom. The 25 case studies presented explore a variety of topics, including world music, rock 'n' roll, film scoring, music technology, and composition. Examples demonstrate effective approaches with a variety of age groups, from

2156 Cl I( )ICl'~ July 2011