On Systemic Balance: Flexibility and Stability in Social, Economic, and Environmental Systems

Goldberg, Michael A.

ISBN 10: 0275932494 / ISBN 13: 9780275932497

Published by Praeger Pub Text, U. S. A., 1989

About this Item

Name stamped inside, else a very clean tight copy, slight wear at corners.

Seller Inventory # 27375

Bibliographic Details

• Title: On Systemic Balance: Flexibility and Stability in Social, Economic, and Environmental Systems
• Publisher: Praeger Pub Text, U. S. A.
• Publication Date: 1989
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0275932494
• ISBN 13: 9780275932497
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
• Seller catalogs:
  • Sociology

About this title

Synopsis

Arguing that society has pursued short-run approaches to decision-making that in the long term are counterproductive, On Systemic Balance presents a multidimensional and interdisciplinary alternative to problem solving. The usual method of dealing with problems such as housing shortages and environmental protection is a narrow, simplistic, quick, and intrusive solution. This type of solution ultimately ignores the many interrelationships within a system. The long term effect is imbalance and destabilization. The author reinforces his argument with economic and environmental examples. He then introduces alternative approaches to decision making and applies them to several settings. By stressing slow incremental intrusions, regard for interrelationships, and longer term balance, the author suggests that we might redefine problems more appropriately, develop less harmful and more enduring solutions, and provide a more stable environment.

Goldberg maintains that we cannot truly predict the consequences of our actions, particularly large-scale actions taken over a short period of time. He presents his argument first by equipping the reader with a set of multidisciplinary tools and second by demonstrating the poor results of our present decision-making style. He then introduces an alternative approach which borrows from biology, economics, management, and anthropology and applies it to three distinct settings.

About the Author

MICHAEL A. GOLDBERG is the Herbert R. Fullerton Professor of Urban Land Policy at the University of British Columbia. Engaged in urban and regional research for 25 years, he is the author of numerous works, including The Future of North American Housing Markets and Urban Land Economics, and The Myth of The North American City, and The Chinese Connection.