Supported by The Walter and May Reuther Memorial Fund Previously published by Basic Books as The Most Dangerous Man in Detroit: Walter Reuther and the Fate of American Labor
Nelson Lichtenstein Books
Nelson Lichtenstein is a distinguished historian whose work focuses on the intricate relationship between labor, democracy, and the evolving landscape of work. As a professor and director of a prominent research center, his scholarship delves into the fundamental forces that shape economic and social structures. Lichtenstein's research offers critical insights into the power dynamics and historical trajectories of working people and their movements.
The retail revolution : How Wal-Mart created a brave new world of business
- 432 pages
- 16 hours of reading
Wal-Mart is the world's largest company and it sets the standard--both social and commercial--for a huge swath of the global economy. In this probing investigation, historian Nelson Lichtenstein shows how the company's success has spread evangelical Protestantism into the workplace, made South China an American workshop, and pushed American politics to the right. At the same time, he anticipates a day of reckoning, when challenges to the Wal-Mart way, at home and abroad, are likely to change the far-flung empire. Insightful and original, The Retail Revolution gives a fresh and necessary understanding of the phenomenon that has reshaped international commerce.
This collection of essays offers a balanced exploration of the complex impact of Wal-Mart, showcasing its wonders and horrors. Edited by a leading labor historian, it aims to dissect the retailer's extensive business operations, social effects, and its role in both the U.S. and global economy. Originating from a spring 2004 conference that drew significant media attention, including features in major publications, the contributions have been adapted for a general audience. Historically, institutions like the Pennsylvania Railroad, IBM, and Microsoft have been seen as benchmarks of economic power, but in the early twenty-first century, Wal-Mart emerged as the dominant force. The book presents an accessible format, enriched with charts and graphs, and covers various topics such as Wal-Mart's managerial culture, innovative technological practices, and controversial employee policies. It serves as a comprehensive guide to one of America's largest corporations. Scholars liken their analysis to archaeologists studying artifacts to glean insights into American capitalist culture, providing stimulating perspectives on the world’s largest corporation.