"In this wonderful book, Thomas Patterson effectively dethrones the concept of 'civilization' as an abstract good, transcending human society."
--Martin Bernal

Drawing on his extensive knowledge of early societies, Thomas C. Patterson shows how class, sexism, and racism have been integral to the appearance of "civilized" societies in Western Europe. He lays out clearly and simply how civilization, with its designs of "civilizing" and "being civilized," has been closely tied to the rise of capitalism in Western Europe and the development of social classes.

Addresses issues of current social and theoretical concern such as urban ethnic conflict, multiculturalism and immigration.

How do people make sense of their lives amid the social and cultural diversity of cities? The essays in this volume argue that a powerful and related set of methodologies - including comparative research, the ethnography of situations such as dances and parades, and social network analysis - can further our understanding of the intertwined processes of ethnicity and community, class and gender. Written by leading researchers from a number of disciplines, these...

From reviews of the first edition (1994): "Extraordinarily well written . . . "
--Contemporary Sociology

"A readable chronicle aimed at a general audience . . . Graceful and accessible . . . "
--Dollars and Sense

"Has the potential to be a political bombshell in radical circles around the world."
--Environmental Action

The Vulnerable Planet has won respect as the best single-volume introduction to the global economic crisis.

With impressive historical and economic detail, ranging from the Industrial Revolution to modern...