Author: Geoffrey Ingham
File Type: pdf
Now with a substantial new postscript on the financial crisisThis book provides a basic introduction to the nuts and bolts of capitalism. It starts by examining the classic accounts of capitalism found in the works of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, Max Weber, Joseph Schumpeter, and John Maynard Keynes. Each placed emphasis on different institutional elements of capitalism - Smith on the markets invisible hand Marx on capitals exploitation of labour Weber on the foundations of economic rationality and Schumpeter and Keynes on the instability that results from capitalisms essentially monetary and financial character.Drawing on these classic accounts, Ingham then offers a succinct analysis of capitalisms basic institutions and their interconnections. Market exchange, the monetary system, the enterprise, capital and financial markets, and the role of the state are dealt with in separate chapters which make use of contemporary material on the recent history of the capitalist system - including the great inflation of the 1970s and the neo-liberal backlash the dot.com bubble of the late 1990s and the collapse of Enron and other US corporations. This revised version includes a substantial new postscript on the financial crisis of 2007-8 and its aftermath. The result is a concise, masterly and up-to-date account of the worlds most powerful economic system, written in a way that is accessible to students and general readers alike.ReviewThe most informative interpretation of the current crisis I have yet encountered.LSE Politics BlogA must-read for both sociologists and economists - indeed for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of the systemic nature of todays global financial crisis.openDemocracyOne of the best introductions to the economics of capitalism Ive read in a long time. Well argued, researched and referenced throughout, it is often a sheer pleasure to read.Morning StarA highly accessible and enjoyable introductory text to the all-pervasive economic system in the modern era.Political Studies ReviewA good introduction to the basic structure of the capitalist model.TribuneAn impressively broad, but also theoretically detailed and empirically well-illustrated, exploration of how capitalism works and develops today. By reading Inghams comprehensive book, our students will surely become more knowledgeable and probably also better sociologists.Acta SociologicaNot just an excellent summary of key themes and literatures on capitalism, but also a highly instructive first approach to the contemporary issue of all issues, the global financial crisis.Wolfgang Streeck, *Socio-economic Review*In this meticulous and superbly crafted book Geoff Ingham dissects the nature of capitalism as a complex economic order in which money plays a central role. In developing his rich account he draws upon a remarkable range of theorists and examples which will make the book essential reading to students not only of sociology but throughout the social sciences.Mike Savage, University of ManchesterAs an economic system, capitalism forms the basis for western society and for sociological understandings of society. Here, Ingham provides a useful summary of the key institutional elements of a capitalist economy, and an insightful discussion of the key theorists of capitalism. Many will appreciate his ability to cover so much material so ably.Bruce Carruthers, Northwestern UniversityReview