The Spaces of Neoliberalism: Land, Place and Family in Latin America

Rating:
Summary: An excellent book: critical, yet balanced
Review: This is an excellent book. It is a critical examination of land reform efforts in the context of economic globalization in Latin America. Chase and the other authors recognize that individual and local responses to neoliberalism (the name given to "free trade" by those opposed to it)are varied and complex. While strongly critical of globalization in terms of high costs and low benefits for the landless of Latin America, Chase also argues against a narrative of simple victimization, arguing persuasively that over-simplified portrayals are themselves exploitive, and limit and obscure avenues of resistance to neoliberalism. Having lived, researched, and taught extensively in Yucatan, I in particular liked the last chapter, on the ambivilent perspective many Mayans hold toward Cancun. Very cool stuff, moves way beyond the simple rhetoric of most discussions on globalization.