Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
Richard D. Wolff is professor of economics emeritus, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a visiting professor at the New School University in New York. Wolff hosts the weekly hour-long radio program Economic Update, which is syndicated on public radio stations nationwide.<p>“Probably America’s most prominent Marxist economist.” <br />
<strong>—</strong><strong><em>New York Times Magazine</em></strong></p>
<p>"Richard Wolff is the leading socialist economist in the country. This book is required reading for anyone concerned about a fundamental transformation of the ailing capitalist economy."<br />
<strong>—Cornel West</strong></p>
<p>“Richard Wolff’s constructive and innovative ideas suggest new and promising foundations for a much more authentic democracy and sustainable and equitable development, ideas that can be implemented directly and carried forward. A very valuable contribution in troubled times.”<br />
<strong>—Noam Chomsky</strong></p>
“Why does capitalism fail us?” Richard D. Wolff walks readers through this pressing question in a brilliant takedown of an economic system that benefits the few at the great expense of the many.
Understanding Capitalism explores the different definitions of what capitalism is and is not, and dissolves the many myths that, Wolff argues, are designed to confuse and disorient us. Wolff doesn’t simply identify the crises and harms manufactured by capitalism, he details a path forward by outlining alternative economic models that combat the exploitation and oppression inherent in capitalism.
Capitalism oftentimes feels as permanent as the sky above. Understanding Capitalism shows that our current economic system is only as strong as the ordinary people who enable its existence, and that capitalism’s demise requires an organized, collective effort by those who can identify its vulnerabilities and limitations, but also understand that another world is indeed possible.
Introduction
How to Read This Book
1. Defining Capitalism: What It Is
2. Defining Capitalism: What It Is Not
3. The Problems of Capitalism
4. The Myths of Capitalism
5. The Relationships of Capitalism
6. Capitalism and You
7. What Comes After Capitalism
FOR READERS OF BOOKS ON LEFT ECONOMICS: such as Talking to My Daughter About the Economy by Yanis Varoufakis, Invisible Doctrine by George Monbiot, A People's Guide to Capitalism by Hadas Their, How to Be an Anticapitalist in the Twenty-First Century by Erik Olin Wright.
HIGH PROFILE AUTHOR WITH HUGE SOCIAL MEDIA FOLLOWING: Richard Wolff is a social media sensation. With close to 300,000 TikTok followers, Wolff’s easy to follow and razor-sharp videos have helped hundreds of thousands of people develop a vocabulary that challenges the exploitation and oppression of the capitalist system. His previous books Democracy at Work sold 35,000 copies and Capitalism's Crisis Deepens sold 9,000 copies.
URGENT POLITICAL INTERVENTION: As the limitations of a burning planet become more evident, the horrific effects of ruthless capitalist competition are livestreamed on our phones, and historic levels of economic inequality condense power and resources into the hands of a select few, Wolff’s economic insights are more urgent than ever.
INTRODUCTION TO LEFT ECONOMIC IDEAS: Readers will acquire the tools needed to engage with broad economic ideas and urgent social issues
PERFECT FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE COURSES: Understanding Marxism is accessible, engaging, and a perfect fit for classes on economics, inequality, and social science.