Moreira, Manuel Belo2009-09-162009-09-162002" International Journal of Sociology of Agriculture and Food".ISSN 0798-1759. 10:1(2002) 41-470798-1759http://hdl.handle.net/10400.5/1259In this paper globalization is conceptualised as a process that marks a new phase of capitalism (Moreira 1994). The aim of this paper is to propose a systematic approach to the economic and social consequences of the globalization process, with particular attention to agriculture and agri-food as well as the use of rural areas. Therefore, understanding the role of the main agents of globalization is a necessary condition to assess the impact of this process. My working hypothesis is that the different actors in the globalization process do not demonstrate the same behaviour, justifying a closer look at the logic and dynamics of its main agents, and the reactions that these changes provoke.engagriculturerural areasglobalizationjournal article