Title
Parasites, Pathogens, and Progress: Diseases and Economic Development (Mit Press),Used
Delivery time: 8-12 business days (International)
In Parasites, Pathogens, and Progress, Robert McGuire and Philip Coelho integrate biological and economic perspectives into an explanation of the historical development of humanity and the economy, paying particular attention to the American experience, its history and development. In their pathbreaking examination of the impact of population growth and parasitic diseases, they contend that interpretations of history that minimize or ignore the physical environment are incomplete or wrong.The authors emphasize the paradoxical impact of population growth and density on progress. An increased population leads to increased market size, specialization, productivity, and living standards. Simultaneously, increased population density can provide an ecological niche for pathogens and parasites that prey upon humanity, increasing morbidity and mortality. The tension between diseases and progress continues, with progress dominant since the late 1800s.Integral to their story are the differential effects of diseases on different ethnic (racial) groups. McGuire and Coelho show that the Europeanization of the Americas, for example, was caused by Old World diseases unwittingly brought to the New World, not by superior technology and weaponry. The decimation of Native Americans by pathogens vastly exceeded that caused by war and human predation.The authors combine biological and economic analyses to explain the concentration of African slaves in the American South. African labor was more profitable in the South because Africans' evolutionary heritage enabled them to resist the diseases that became established there; conversely, Africans' ancestral heritage made them susceptible to northern "coldweather" diseases. European disease resistance and susceptibilities were the opposite regionally. Differential regional disease ecologies thus led to a heritage of racial slavery and racism.
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Returns
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Warranty
We provide a 2-year limited warranty, from the date of purchase for all our products.
If you believe you have received a defective product, or are experiencing any problems with your product, please contact us.
This warranty strictly does not cover damages that arose from negligence, misuse, wear and tear, or not in accordance with product instructions (dropping the product, etc.).
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Parasites, Pathogens, and Progress'? A: The book examines the historical development of humanity and the economy through the lens of biological and economic perspectives, particularly the impact of population growth and parasitic diseases.
- Q: Who are the authors of this book? A: The book is authored by Robert McGuire and Philip Coelho.
- Q: What is the publication date of 'Parasites, Pathogens, and Progress'? A: The book was published on October 14, 2011.
- Q: What category does this book fall under? A: This book is categorized under Economic History.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains a total of 343 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does the book have? A: The book is available in hardcover binding.
- Q: Is this book in new condition? A: Yes, the item condition is described as Mint.
- Q: What themes are explored in the book regarding population growth? A: The book explores how population growth can lead to increased market size and productivity while also creating ecological niches for pathogens and parasites.
- Q: Does the book discuss the impact of diseases on different ethnic groups? A: Yes, the authors highlight the differential effects of diseases on various ethnic and racial groups throughout history.
- Q: What is a key argument made by the authors regarding European diseases in the Americas? A: The authors argue that the Europeanization of the Americas was largely influenced by diseases brought from the Old World, rather than by technological superiority.