That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter 4: Up in the Air Summary

Chapter 4: Up in the Air Summary and Analysis

The blending of globalization and advanced technology is eliminating jobs by the millions. This merger is creating a new reality in the markets as well as in the political and economical segments of society. The new reality creates jobs that demand higher skill sets. Information technology which is the driver of the new reality is making changes at a furious rate. Globalization has opened the floodgates to workers from around the world who are as skilled as Americans and who will work for lower wages. It is also leveling the playing field for those conducting business in the global market.

Three factors brought about the new flat world of globalization. The personal computer provided a tool in which people could create their own content. The Internet and the World Wide Web gave people the venue on which to send their content across the globe in literally seconds. The development...
(read more)