Is Capitalism Working?: A primer for the 21st century (The Big Idea)

Product Description Part of Thames & Hudson’s innovative new ‘Big Idea’ series, this incisive discussion of capitalism breaks down the key concepts and theories at the heart of this contentious topic Since the near-meltdown of the world economy in 2008, capitalism has been in crisis. Is it time to call time on a system that continues to destabilize the world economy? Have the deregulation and free-trade policies of the last forty neoliberal years made capitalism toxic? This engaging book presents the benefits and disadvantages of capitalism in all its forms and asks if there is a viable alternative. Table of Contents Introduction • 1. How Capitalism Evolved • 2. How Modern Capitalism Works • 3. Capitalism in Crisis • 4. Adapting the Capitalist Model • Conclusion Review 'A kind of choose-your-own-adventure using fonts: paragraphs are set in type of differing sizes depending on their importance' - The Bookseller From the Back Cover ?Is Capitalism Working? is a highly relevant question today – not least to a generation coming of age in a world still experiencing aftershocks from the near-meltdown of the world economy in 2008. Economic theory can be complex, but Jacob Field’s wellstructured and thought-provoking text lays out the debate in a clear, accessible and engaging manner. Infographics and timelines ensure that readers grasp the basic tenets, history and context of capitalism, without distracting from the compelling arguments. Jacob Field presents a measured conclusion that reviews the evidence on each side, allowing room for the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. About the Author Jacob Field, a research associate at the University of Cambridge, is the author of four history books, most recently London, Londoners, and the Great Fire of 1666. Matthew Taylor is Chief Executive of the RSA, a 250-year old British institution devoted to enriching society through ideas and action to deliver a 21st-century enlightenment. A writer, public speaker and broadcaster, he has written widely on policy, politics, public service reform and cultural theory, and frequently appears on Newsnight, The Daily Politics, and Radio 4’s Today and The Moral Maze. He was previously General Secretary and Chief Executive of the Institute for Public Policy Research, Britain’s leading think tank.