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Synopsis
We are witnessing the emergence of a unified world economy, as exemplified by NAFTA and GATT, that will, in theory, make goods available at cheaper prices, create new jobs throughout the world, raise standards of living, and benefit the average family. However, population growth and resource exploitation will also affect these potential benefits as patterns of consumption change. In stunning photographs and text, "Material World" demonstrates the present context for the emerging global economy, what it means to be 'statistically average', by displaying families in more than thirty nations outside their homes - with all their possessions in view. Among the 350 stunning images are those of a family in lush Samoa juxtaposed with a Kuwaiti family and the two Mercedes-Benzes parked outside their desert home; a family in Iceland posing with their treasured string instruments while a family in Sarajevo huddles outside their bullet-ridden apartment.This text describes what it means to be 'average' in each of thirty very dissimilar cultures and the impact of each way of life on the local environment.Statistical information about each country accompanies the photo-essays so that readers can easily compare one culture with another. "Material World" is a fascinating portrait of multicultural diversity and a preview of emerging issues raised by the impact of the global economy on the cultural heritage of the human community.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An experience to be in and an experience to read!,
By A Customer
This review is from: Material World: A Global Family Portrait (Sierra Club Books Publication) (Hardcover)
At first glance this seems a bizarre book, loads of families with all their junk strewn out on the street and lots of pictures of them doing every day activities. I am a member of the average family of Great Britain, one of the countries featured in this book. I was 15 when the photos were taken and when the interviews, videos and documentaries were undertaken. At the time I don't think I realised the scale of the project or the impact it would have on people's conversations. When it was first published in a newspaper in Britain, our family was pictured and interviewed alongside the family from Burma; there could not be more of a contrast. Over the years it has made me realise, more and more as I read the book and talk about it, just how lucky we are in the West. I was looking at the book this morning and it dawned on me just how many of the possessions in the book have now been replaced in my parents house, bed, sofas, fridge. And we are so lucky to have the means to replace things like that with little effect on our overall standard of living and I think that the book reflects this, especially for countries such as America and Britain. I know some people who have got hold of the book, then realised that I am in it and it has provoked some really interesting conversations and discussions. I also know people who have used the book in assemblies in schools, in sermons in church and in RE lessons. The book is certainly inspiring, however the recent idea of doing a Material World Revisited, 10 years down the line is not a prospect I relish that much! Get the book though, it is fantastic bedtime reading and also good if you have boring visitor over that you do't want to entertain, give them the book and they'll be fascinated!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Thought-provoking; engrossing,
By A Customer
This review is from: Material World: A Global Family Portrait (Sierra Club Books Publication) (Hardcover)
Every household should have a copy of this book. The photographs show how diverse the world is; how poor most of the world is; how vulnerable all humans are. It has provided for some good discussion with my children, and it made me reflect on what material goods I have and on what I value.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Insight into cultures and lives accross the globe,
By
This review is from: Material World: A Global Family Portrait (Sierra Club Books Publication) (Paperback)
Interesting book looking at the lives and posessions of people around the world. Highlights cultural interests and differences in ways of life. Easy to read and great photos. Recommended for interest and great coffee table book.
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