Power is a broad and complex concept that cuts across all fields in humanities and social sciences. Written by a leading historian of economic thought, Power and Inequality presents a wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary analysis of power as an economic and social issue. Its aim is not to formulate a new abstract theory of power but rather to illustrate the different ways in which power is used to exacerbate social and economic inequality. Issues such as division of labour and its evolution, different forms of capitalism up to the money-manager economy, the role of networks (from the family to mason lodges and the mafia), the state and the international arena, culture and the role of the masses are considered. The analysis of these elements, causing inequalities of various kinds, is a prerequisite for devising progressive policy strategies aiming at a reduction of inequalities through a strategy of reforms.
- Provides readers with a wide-ranging view of the constraints and possibilities of action for reducing inequalities
- Introduces the topic step-by-step using ordinary-language explanations and references to real world issues making the theory accessible to readers without specialized training in economics, sociology or politics
- Includes inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary perspectives, showing how different disciplines can interact
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Reviews & endorsements
'Finally! - A book on the economy that makes power the centrepiece of the analysis, recognizing its multiple faces, its relationship to accumulation and distribution, its uses and abuses in policy making and in the quotidian functioning of economies at all levels. This will change how you look at the economy - so it is essential reading for everyone, especially economics teachers and students.' Jayati Ghosh, Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
'Economist, historian and political scientist, Alessandro Roncaglia here presents a panorama of power. To paint it, he reaches deep into the history of philosophy and economic thought and of Italian politics and social movements, and presents, in the end, a clear critique of neoliberalism and coherent criteria for progressive reforms.' James K. Galbraith, Professor of Government and Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. Chair in Government/Business Relations, The University of Texas at Austin
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Product details
- Date Published: January 2024
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9781009370479
- length: 318 pages
- dimensions: 230 x 150 x 18 mm
- weight: 0.471kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Part I. The Colours of Power:
2. Interpretations and fields of application: the multiple faces of power
3. The origin of inequalities: the division of labour
4. Modern capitalist property and finance
5. The networks
6. The state
7. Culture and power
8. The spatial dimension of power
Part II. Ethical Assessments and Policy Perspectives:
9. The ethics of power between the common good and equality
10. The strategy of structural reforms
11. Materials for a reasonable utopia
References
Index.
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Author
Alessandro Roncaglia, Sapienza Università di Roma
Alessandro Roncaglia is Emeritus professor of Economics, Sapienza University of Rome, and member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei (since 2018 in its Presidency Council); has been President of the Italian Economists Society. His book The wealth of ideas (2005) received the Blanqui Prize. He also won the Guggenheim prize in the History of Economic Thought for 2019.