Farmers' markets appear to embody many of the qualities of the much touted green economy -- environmentally sustainable, local, and wholesome. Yet as a solution, according to sociologist Alison Hope Alkon, they tend to reinforce, not undermine, racial and class inequality. Alkon explores the limitations of farmers' markets and the market-driven green economy, by contrasting a farmers' market in affluent and white North Berkeley with a now-closed market in poor and predominantly African American West Oakland. 

Many on the left see the working class as the primary agent of radical change. Where does this leave people like housewives and others whose work goes uncompensated? Selma James sees unwaged work as crucial to capitalism's operation and continuation. She addresses the relationship between gender and class, and examines power relations within the working class. (Encore presentation.)

Many on the left see the working class as the primary agent of radical change. Where does this leave people like housewives and others whose work goes uncompensated? Selma James sees unwaged work as crucial to capitalism's operation and continuation. She addresses the relationship between gender and class, and examines power relations within the working class.

You call an 800 number for technical support, and you get a person in India. Thousands of workers at call centers in that country serve the customers of major transnational corporations. Radha Hegde describes what the new high-tech work environments in Bangalore, India are doing to gender relations, class distinctions, and cultural attitudes. Also, Martha Burk weighs in on anti-woman political rhetoric.

In this second installment of Ron Hassner's talk, the U.C. Berkeley political scientist addresses, among other things, the notion that religion has motivated most of the wars, or at least the bloodiest ones, throughout history. Also included is more from an interview with the politically inquisitive Lisa Kron.

Ron Hassner confronts the argument that religions are naturally conducive to peace. He emphasizes, among other things, the ambiguous and contradictory nature of religious texts and passages. Also, a new play by Lisa Kron points out blind spots in the political consciousness of many middle-class liberals.