The Mobilities Paradox

A Critical Analysis

Maximiliano E. Korstanje, Department of Economics, University of Palermo, Argentina

The theory of mobilities has gained great recognition and traction over recent decades, illustrating not only the influence of mobilities in daily life but also the rise and expansion of globalization worldwide. But what if this sense of mobilities is in fact an ideological bubble that provides the illusion of freedom whilst limiting our mobility or even keeping us immobile? This book reviews the strengths and weaknesses of the mobilities paradigm and in doing so constructs a bridge between Marxism and Cultural theory.

‘The Mobilities Paradox: A Critical Analysis asks how the mobilities paradigm, arguably one of the most influential theoretical innovations of the 21st century, holds up against the empirical realities of a deeply unequal world. Korstanje's provocative analysis pairs a sweeping overview of the theoretical landscape with specific instances of tourism, terrorism, hospitality, automobility, digital technologies, and non-places to put mobilities theory to the test.’
– Jennie Germann Molz, College of the Holy Cross, US

‘In this influential work, Maximiliano Korstanje makes a radical proposal: fear places an epistemological barrier around our quest for truth, making us blind to reality. Look no further than 9/11 to discern the inner workings of this truth machine. Oligarchically controlled corporate mass media has historically been the primary instrument for advancing this objective. This book is essential reading for anyone who is curious to know what lies beyond the matrix of manufactured truths about our social lives.’
– Babu George, Fort Hays State University, US

‘This book offers a very deep and important discussion around the nature and evolution of mobility. The progressive approach adopted in this book makes it easy to read and facilitates the understanding of some of the underpinning issues our society is facing. In so doing, the book explores how the world has changed after 9/11, as well as the different visions of mobility and hospitality. Case studies are used to illustrate the discussions. This book can be of interest for advanced researchers and students in tourism as geopolitics and sociology are quite central in this field particularly in our day and age.’
– Hugues Seraphin, University of Winchester UK

‘In his book, Korstanje sets himself the ambitious task of joining cultural critique and materialist dialectics to show how the great social evolution of globalization underpins changes in human mobility. He succeeds brilliantly in his ambition. This book offers a thought-provoking argument that calls for a re-thinking in many fields.’
– Geoffrey R Skoll, Buffalo State SUNY, US