Creating and Transforming Households The Constraints of the World-Economy [Paperback]

A systematic and original approach to the intimate link between the micro-structures of households and the structures of the capitalist world-economy.The structures of households are examined as income-pooling units to explain differences in wage levels for work of comparable productivity and reveal the intimate link between the micro-structures of households and the structures of the world-economy at a global level.The structures of households are examined as income-pooling units to explain differences in wage levels for work of comparable productivity and reveal the intimate link between the micro-structures of households and the structures of the world-economy at a global level.This book examines the intimate link between the micro-structures of households and the structures of the world-economy at a global level. It seeks to explain differences in wage levels for work of comparable productivity by examining the different structures of households as income-pooling units. The authors argue that the boundaries and sources of income of households are molded by the changing patterns of the world-economy, but are also modes of defense against its pressures. Empirical data is drawn from eight local regions in three different zones: the United States, Mexico and southern Africa.Preface Joan Smith and Immanuel Wallerstein; 1. Household as an institution of the world-economy Immanuel Wallerstein and Joan Smith; 2. The United States Kathie Friedman Kasada; (a) The Detroit Story: the crucible of Fordism Kathleen Stanley and Joan Smith; (b) New York City: the underside of the world's capital Kathie Friedman Kasada; (c) Binghamton: the secrets of a backwater Randall H. McGuire and Cynthia Woodsong; (d) Puerto Rico: from colony to colony Maria Del Carmen Baega; 3. Mexico Lanny Thompson; (a) Mexico City: the slow rise of wage-centered households Lanny Thompson; (b) Central Mexico: the decline of subsistence and the rise of poverty Lanny Thompson; 4. Southern Africa Mark BlC)