The Moral Economy (Ann Arbor Paperbacks) - Softcover

Powelson, John P.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0472086723 ISBN 13: 9780472086726

Publisher: University of Michigan Press, 2000

Synopsis

When all the momentous current changes in technology and social structure have run their course, we will have created a new world society. Will this society--the total complex of who we are and how we behave--resolve our major economic and social problems? This is the question that John P. Powelson addresses in his provocative new book, The Moral Economy.
In his discussion of worldwide problems--including poverty, the environment, population growth, ethnic bias, welfare, social security, and health care--Powelson proposes that solutions to social problems are best sought in a greater balance of power among social groups. He explains how to design institutional structures, like government, education, and religion, that will permit conflict to be resolved peacefully and fairly. He also shows how a moral economy--a balance between interventionism and libertarianism--and economic prosperity are mutually reinforcing.
The Moral Economy proposes a desirable world that is historically possible, if certain trends of the past millennium are continued into the next, and if world power becomes more diffuse. As we enter the twenty-first century, it looks to the horizon to suggest what a distant future might bring.
"[A] coherent and stunning scenario for the future of humankind. . . . a message for all epochs." --J. D. Von Pischke
John P. Powelson is Professor of Economics Emeritus, University of Colorado.

About this title

Review

"A lucid and persuasive diagnosis of what makes a society work, or helps a society work, or keeps it from working, for the benefit of the people."

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Michigan Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0472086723
• ISBN 13: 9780472086726
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296