Dissertation Abstract: Rebecca Todd Peters

Source: Dissertation Abstracts. Publisher contact: 300 N. Zeeb Rd., PO Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106-1346

I believe that my work has important connections with the field of leadership studies. In my dissertation, I approach the complexities associated with globalization by arguing that there are four distinct ideological understandings of globalization and that each of these different visions of globalization is under girded by a distinct set of values. The dissertation proceeds to identify each of these four positions (neoliberal, development, earthiest, and post-colonial), to discuss their ideological assumptions, and then to develop a description of each position’s understanding of what constitutes “the good life.”

The typology developed in this dissertation can be extremely important for students interested in social, political, and/or economic leadership positions as it provides a deeper understanding of the conflicts that exist between different communities involved in the globalization process. By analyzing these positions through their interpretation of “the good life,” it also allows students to see the moral strengths and weaknesses of each of these positions.