Political Economy: A Comparative Approach

In this revised edition of the widely used and comprehensive overview of political/economic thought, political theory, sociology, and philosophy are integrated with economic analysis. Clark offers an introduction to the method and history of political economy, along with comparative studies of classical liberalism, radicalism, conservatism, and modern liberalism. Various issues such as the role of government, inflation and unemployment, poverty and inequality, and education, culture, and gender, are given a comparative analysis from the perspectives of the four major economic ideologies, and contemporary debates are traced back to their origins in the European industrialization process.

Political economy offers a more comprehensive view of social interactions and the human condition than is available through the separate and specialized social sciences. In this revised edition of the widely used and comprehensive overview of political/economic thought, political theory, sociology, and philosophy are integrated with economic analysis. Clark offers an introduction to the method and history of political economy, along with comparative studies of classical liberalism, radicalism, conservatism, and modern liberalism. Various issues such as the role of government, inflation and unemployment, poverty and inequality, and education, culture, and gender, are given a comparative analysis from the perspectives of the four major economic ideologies, and contemporary debates are traced back to their origins in the European industrialization process. The book reveals the underlying value judgements and ideological commitments that fuel the debates over public policy.

Recognizing the absence of any consensus regarding the meaning of political economy, Clark begins his work with an introduction to the alternative meanings and historical evolution of the field. This is followed by chapters describing the four comparative approaches, and offering detailed analyses of the thinkers and perspectives that make them up. The rest of the text is devoted to major issues of modern political economy, including a new chapter on science and ideology. Readable, interesting, and up-to-date, this is the ideal text for any course on Political Economy, History of Economic Thought, or Political Theory.

BARRY CLARK is a professor of Economics at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse./e His research and publications have focused on the ethical dimensions of Public Policy.