In 'Ghetto at the Center of the World', Gordon Mathews takes readers on a captivating journey through the vibrant and chaotic landscape of Hong Kong's informal settlements. This thought-provoking exploration sheds light on the lives of residents in one of the world's most densely populated areas, revealing the complexities of poverty and resilience. Mathews intriguingly juxtaposes local narratives with broader global issues, challenging our perceptions of urban life and economic disparity. The book not only uncovers the rich cultural fabrics of the ghetto but also invites reflection on the interconnectedness of humanity. Prepare to be immersed in a narrative that is both enlightening and deeply human, urging readers to reconsider what it means to thrive against the odds.
By Gordon Mathews
Published: 2011
"In the heart of the city, amidst the chaos and vibrancy of life, we find the truth of human existence—where resilience meets despair, and hope emerges from the most unlikely of places."
4e de couv.: Chungking Mansions, a dilapidated seventeen-story commercial and residential structure in the heart of Hong Kong's tourist district, is home to a remarkably motley group of people. Traders, laborers, and asylum seekers from all over Asia and Africa live and work there, and even backpacking tourists rent rooms in what is possibly the most globalized spot on the planet. But as Ghetto at the center of the world shows us, the Mansions is a world away from the gleaming headquarters of multinational corporations -instead it epitomizes the way globalization actually works for most of the world's people. Through candid stories that both instruct and enthrall, Gordon Mathews lays bare the building's residents' intricate connections to the international circulation of goods, money, and ideas.
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“In the heart of the city, amidst the chaos and vibrancy of life, we find the truth of human existence—where resilience meets despair, and hope emerges from the most unlikely of places.”
Ghetto at the Center of the World
By Gordon Mathews
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Gordon Mathews is an acclaimed author and anthropologist known for his insightful exploration of cultural identity and globalization. His notable works include 'Glocalization: Time-Space and Cultural Change in the New Asian Diaspora' and 'Gordon Mathews: The Global and the Local.' Mathews' writing is characterized by a blend of rigorous scholarly analysis and engaging narrative, making complex sociocultural concepts accessible to a wide audience. His research and writings have made significant contributions to understanding how local cultures adapt within the global context.
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