Summary of A Year Without "Made in China"
One Family's True Life Adventure in the Global Economy
Is it possible for a family to live for 12 months without shoes, toys, electronics and trinkets produced by China?
Recommendation
From head to toe, American consumers are walking advertisements for products from China. But few shoppers realize the depth and national economic implications of their dependence on "Made-in-China" goods. Writing with heart and precision, Sara Bongiorni – who decided that her family wouldn't buy Chinese merchandise for a year – uses trade data, shopping mishaps and family squabbles to outline the complex relationship between Chinese merchandise, U.S. consumers and American job loss. Her narrative is funny, factual and entertaining. She delivers insightful lessons about trade, manufacturing and finance. The author attempts to avoid China-bashing and repeatedly mentions her distant Chinese ancestry, but the book occasionally steps into the uncomfortable territory of nationalism on the subject of race and international commerce. Still, this is a delightful, informative read. getAbstract recommends it for every shopping list.
In this summary, you will learn
- How China became the dominant producer of consumer merchandise;
- How American jobs moved overseas;
- How and why one family stopped buying goods made in China;
- Why you should evaluate each item on your shopping list; and
- How to shop mindfully in the global marketplace.
Summary
About the Author
Sara Bongiorni, a seasoned business reporter, has written for daily newspapers and regional periodicals in Louisiana and California.
Comment on this summary
Contained in Knowledge Pack:
-
Knowledge PackOutsourcing and OffshoringAre you exporting jobs or saving money, using the best resources or relinquishing control? The truth about outsourcing.
-
Knowledge PackCritical Voices on ChinaDelve into the darker aspects of China's boom, from the lives of the peasants to the downside of its economic adventures.
