Oxford University Press

In part a compendium of information currently available, in part a dialectical examination of musical causation and function, this book contains a wide-ranging survey of musics of the world, in historical and social contexts, from ancient times to the present day. It aims to lead students, teachers, and, in general, those who practise Western music towards a deeper understanding of the various musical traditions that contribute to the modern, multi-cultural environment. It is preceded by a thought-provoking essay on music and ethnomusicology by Laurence Picken.

An insightful discussion of the phenomenon of standardization in organizations and society at large. The authors regard standards as a form of regulation enabling a higher degree of global order in the modern world, and argue that they represent an alternative to markets and hierarchies as a mode of social organization. They facilitate coordination and cooperation on a global scale, creating similarities and homogeneity even among peoples and organizations that are quite different. This book provides an in-depth examination of standardization in different arenas.

This book investigates world peace: what it is, whether it might be achieved, and how.

Using a selection of continent-wide datasets, this book provides an in-depth analysis of past trends in fertility, mortality, migration, and education. It examines relevant theories and identifies key determining factors to emphasize alternative trends in human capital.

This volume presents the first comprehensive set of population projections by age, sex, and level of education for over 170 countries up to the year 2100.