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Houston as Microcosm: The Global City

Houston as Microcosm: The Global City will use the metropolis of Houston as a unit of analysis for exploring global changes and economic problems, building on the discussions and ideas presented during the first day of The Other Economic Summit.

Houston has been touted as the epitome of a "free-market city" and an international cosmopolitan enclave. This workshop will examine the other side of this reality, investigating Houston's link to global problems such as poverty, unequal distribution of wealth, human rights abuses, and other forms of labor and economic exploitation. The question must be asked of the G7 spokespersons: How will you address the urban poverty of cities like Houston, and the disparity between the wealth of many in Houston and the world's poor?

Organizers:

• Gary Stuard, Houston, Texas.
  
• Steven Klineberg, Professor, Department of Sociology, Rice University, Houston, TX 77251.

Speakers:

• Steven Klineberg. Dr. Klineberg has a long history of work and support for human needs issues in Houston. The annual Houston Survey that he helps produce has delved deeply into economic trends and realities in Houston. Dr. Klineberg will show how local, national, and international economic changes have affected the people of Houston, with special attention to the unequal burdens and gains experienced by various minority groups.

• Frances "Cissy" Farenthal, Esq., Houston, Texas 77002. A one-time Texas gubernatorial candidate and long-time political activist, Ms. Farenthal is a supporter of many progressive causes. In the workshop, she will be exploring the relationship of Houston to the economic and political situation in Central America. Questions such as immigration, trade, and military involvement will be touched upon.

• Bob Fisher, Graduate School of Social Work, University of Houston, Houston, TX. Has a rich experience in the study and practice of community organizing. Dr. Fisher will explore the role, successes, and challenges of Houston community organizing in the face of the growing influence of global corporations, and in light of other economic trends and social problems.

• Franklin Jones, Associate Professor, Head of Department of Public Affairs, Texas Southern University, 3100 Calhoun, Houston, Texas 77004. Will explore the impacts of global change on different aspects of Houston. He will bring his special knowledge of the black experience in Houston to bear on the possibilities Houston has for responding to global economic changes. These include changes in East-West relations, changes taking place in South Africa, and more.

Go to second workshop in the series Houston as Microcosm: "Focus on the Environment."

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