Author Description

This Book Is Dedicated To The Discussion Of Four Global Trends: Upgrading The Rationality Of Organizations, Individualization, The Spreading Of Instrumental Activism And Universalization Of Value-normative Systems. The Mutual Influence Of These Interrelated Trends Brings About Both Constructive And Destructive Effects In Social Life, Social Integration And Change. 1. Introduction: The Challenge Of Four Global Trends -- Pt. I. Upgrading The Rationality Of Organizations: 2. Values And Interests In Processes Of Macro-regional Integration -- 3. The European Union And Nafta As Models Of Regional Organization -- 4. Contradictions In European Integration: A Global Perspective -- 5. Regional Integration In East Asia As A Reaction To Global Challenges -- Pt. Ii. Individualization: 6. Elitist Distinction And Globalization -- 7. European Elites' Threat Perception And Preferences Concerning Crisis Management -- 8. Individualization Under Precarious Conditions -- 9. Globalization And The Transformation Of Gender Relations In Asia -- Pt. Iii. Spreading Of Instrumental Activism: 10. Regional Varieties Of Global Inequalities: Reclaiming Space For Public Policies -- 11. Changing Market Conditions And The Welfare State -- 12. Globalization And Increasing Inequality In East Asia: The Case Of Japan And South Korea -- 13. Social Fields Of Technological Innovations -- Pt. Iv. Universalization Of Value-normative Systems: 14. Universalism, Particularism, And Moral Change: Reflections On The Value-normative Concepts Of The Social Sciences -- 15. New Forms Of Reflective Ethnization: Value-normative Universalism And Ethnic Particularisms -- 16. Universal Values And Geopolitical Interests: China And India In The Global Competition -- 17. Neo-liberalism And Civil Society: Sweden And United States In Comparison -- 18. Conclusion: Striking The Balance And Looking Forward. Edited By Nikolai Genov. Includes Bibliographical References And Index.