Global inequalities far exceed inequalities within countries. Wealth in the Global North is based on expropriation to a significant extent. The political sphere is segmented into states and it is doubtful whether states are able to solve transnational problems. These problems have existed for a long time, but they are exacerbated by climate change, or even causing it. Still, climate change also is a “new” problem. Sociologists are, for example, challenged to reconsider divisions between materiality and the social.
The seminar will employ a global and transnational perspective on these problems. We will discuss Wallerstein’s world systems approach, postcolonial studies, and recent integrated proposals for the critique of capitalism (Fraser) or global systems (Walby). We will use these theoretical perspectives to discuss scenarios for potential futures. You will get to know (quantitative) data banks provided by international NGOs and activists.
Based on an excursion to the Duisburg harbor, we will study global supply chains and extractivism as well as transnational labor markets.
The seminar is part of the Summer School in Global and Transnational Sociology. Students from Duisburg and our partner universities will work together. It is a blocked course, most likely monday through thursday. Please do not make other plans for fridays yet. |
