Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book not only examine key aspects of knowledge flows between the 'West' and 'East'; it also argues that knowledge emanating from American and West European institutions in the form of dominant social theory may expand its explanatory capacities by incorporating alien ideas, especially those associated with selected Chinese concepts. Particular knowledge, like goods or commodities in general, is produced, desired and consumed in and between different social formations. The book concerns asymmetric knowledge flows that arise through concentrations of resources and relations of power. The arguments of the book have in common with other approaches a perception that asymmetric knowledge flows are problematic for those in subordinate cultures. Globalization tends to compel people from non-Western cultures to reconsider the position of their own knowledge-set in light of global asymmetries.