Research on social inequality uses the nation state as a framework. This approach becomes questionable in the light of economic globalisation and the emergence of transnational social spaces. The article argues that the value of resources depends on environments in which they are put to use. The (dis-)advantages of the concepts "inclusion/exclusion" and "social closure" for grasping spatial relations are discussed. Some resources connect exclusively to highly specialized and/or subdued social spaces. The position of people relative to welfare states is a major dimension of global inequalities. Global upper classes transcend national border regulations. Their social position differs objectively from that of lower class migrants and the citizens of welfare states who suffer from or depend on national protectionism respectively. Locals in the periphery are exposed to global economies without the mediation of a strong state.

This is an abstract. The full article is available in German.

Published 2002-04-25