Description
Book SynopsisSince the early days of the American republic, political thinkers have maintained that a grossly unequal division of property, wealth, and power would lead to the erosion of democratic life. The author presents America's intellectual history to reclaim the politics of inequality from the distortion of American conservatism.
Trade ReviewThis is an important and original work, subtle and sophisticated in its analysis and unique in its scope. -- Philip Green, professor of political science, New School University Thompson provides a great service in revisiting--and reviving--the tradition of seeing extreme economic inequality and democracy as incompatible. -- Daniel Brook The Nation [A] sweeping intellectual history... Recommended. CHOICE
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction. The Political Dimensions of Economic Inequality 1. The Critique of Economic Inequality in Western Political Thought: The Continuity of an Idea 2. The Liberal Republic and the Emergence of Capitalism: The Political Theories of Optimism and Radicalism 3. The Transformation of American Capitalism: From Class Antagonism to Reconciliation 4. Embracing Inequality: The Reorientation of American Democracy Conclusion. Restating the Case for Economic Equality Notes Bibliography Index
