This thematically structured text offers an introduction to the positive and negative effects of globalization on human welfare in industrial and developing societies. It documents the effects of globalization on economic growth, income distribution, poverty, education, health, social care and the environment. It pays special attention to the effects of globalization on ethnic and gender issues and concludes with an assessment of the possibilities of global social policy. It should appeal to undergraduates in the social sciences both as a basic text and a reference book.