A thoroughly updated edition of the popular work on what globalization does to the earth’s most vulnerable peoples—and what can be done about it.

The True Cost of Low Prices offers more than an academic analysis. In each of nine topical chapters authors Jeffry Korgen and Vincent Gallagher begin with a story of a real person who has felt the impact of one particular aspect of globalization. They then explore the "signs of the times," examining the relationship of these issues to low prices for goods and services. Finally, they turn to official church documents—the Catechism, the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, papal encyclicals, the documents of Vatican II, and statements of the U.S. Catholic bishops.

Each chapter includes discussion questions and concludes with "signs of hope"—lists of resources and strategies for action—making The True Cost of Low Prices ideal for church and educational groups at the parish, high school, and college level.

Jeffry Odell Korgen is the author of several books on Catholic social ministry, including Solidarity Will Transform the World: Stories of Hope from Catholic Relief Services (Orbis, 2007). He is currently Executive Director of the Department of Diocesan Planning for the Diocese of Metuchen, New Jersey.

Vincent A. Gallagher, an expert in the field of worker injury and disease prevention, has researched dangerous environments throughout Latin America for a number of international organizations, including the World Bank and the World Health Organization. He received the Peace and Justice Educator's Award from the Romero Center in Camden, New Jersey.