Description
Book SynopsisAnthropologist Michael Blim identifies equality as the key global issue of our time, the value above all others that will improve human well-being. Using it as a measure for policy, he demonstrates how equality can be operationalized and change how our economies function, both in the United States and worldwide. The author argues for the development of universal welfare remedies, believing that such fundamental problems of human existence can only be solved by utilizing the full resources of the planet. He analyzes successful attempts by regions, communities, and social movements around the world to improve the human condition. Equality and Economy creates a foundation for social science inquiry and critical thinking, particularly about global justice and transnational issues. It is valuable for instructors in anthropology, development and labor studies, sociology and political science.
Trade ReviewDr. Blim's book is written as an engaged introduction to the nature of the contemporary global economy. He argues for the centrality of equality as the key value in a world where economic growth has failed to decrease levels of inequality, and that such a situation is morally indefensible and requires a consideration of alternative forms of economy and society that would allow for considerable movement towards equality. -- Alan Smart, University of Calgary
The book is written beautifully and sincerely. The argument is supported by an impressive array of empirical evidence and theoretical reasoning. In light of recent shifts in world trade and economy, this book will be a timely salvo against reigning theories of social melioration by economic means, and a salve to readers seeking a more humane solution to the inequalities engendered, exacerbated, or ignored by capitalism. Blim's conclusions are theoretically and morally inescapable. -- Kalman Applbaum, Universtiy of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
In this very well informed and original analysis Blim presents a powerful appeal for a more just world. This is applied anthropology at its best. Blim combines his very sophisticated understanding of relevant history and theory—of capitalism, power and globalization—with a sensitivity to and detailed knowledge of the everyday realities of life in a wide range of communities throughout the world. The thoroughness, the clarity, and the grasp of material from a range of disciplines and perspectives will make this a very effective book for use in a variety of courses including anthropological theory, applied anthropology, globalization, equality and inequality, social and cultural change, and social problems. -- Frances Rothstein, Towson University
Eminently readbale and carefully crafted, Blim has created the right book for those of us seeking a powerful introduction to the
Thus while many of the details have changed since Blim's book was written, its underlying arguments have been reinforced, made more explicit, and even become more generally accepted. * Anthropology of Work Review *
In Michael Blim's Economy and Equality, economic justice returns to anthropology on a grand scale. Blim offers an extraordinary anthropology of the world community that asks big questions about us as a community. I cannot wait to teach from it. It will provoke discussion among both students and scholars about international development, international organizations, and what it means for each of us to be a citizen of the world. -- Doug Porpora, Drexel University
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The World We Live In Chapter 2 The Consequences of Capitalism Chapter 3 Values and Action Chapter 4 Valuing Equality Chapter 5 Comparing Values Chapter 6 Putting Values into Economies Chapter 7 The Necessity to Choose Chapter 8 Equality among Nations Chapter 9 Equality and Disadvantage Abroad Chapter 10 Equality at Home Chapter 11 A Good-Enough Economy Chapter 12 Achieving Equality
