Discover books similar to "The Affluent Society"

The Affluent Society cover

John Kenneth Galbraith

The Affluent Society

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"The Affluent Society," written by John Kenneth Galbraith and published in 1958, is a seminal work of economic and social criticism that challenges the conventional wisdom of its time and continues to resonate today. The book is divided into two parts: "The Conventional Wisdom" and "The Countervailing Power." In the first part, Galbraith examines the assumptions underlying conventional economic theory and finds them wanting. He argues that the traditional focus on private enterprise and the free market ignores the crucial role of government in ensuring social welfare and economic stability. He also critiques the notion that consumer demand is the driving force of the economy, pointing out that many consumer wants are manufactured by advertising and marketing. In the second part, Galbraith explores the concept of "countervailing power," which refers to the ability of groups such as labor unions and consumer advocacy organizations to balance the power of large corporations. He argues that this balance is necessary to prevent the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few. Galbraith's writing is clear, witty, and accessible, making complex economic concepts understandable to a general audience. He draws on a wide range of examples, from the agricultural industry to the military-industrial complex, to illustrate his points. One of the key contributions of "The Affluent Society" is its prescient critique of the "private affluence, public squalor" that Galbraith identifies as a key feature of modern capitalism. He argues that while many individuals in affluent societies enjoy high levels of material comfort, the public sphere, including infrastructure, education, and social services, is often neglected. Overall, "The Affluent Society" is a thought-provoking and influential work that challenges readers to reconsider their assumptions about economics, power, and social welfare. It remains a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the role of government in a market-driven economy...

List of books similar to "The Affluent Society":

The Age of Uncertainty cover

John Kenneth Galbraith

The Age of Uncertainty

Galbraith's engaging survey of economic thought provides a valuable context for understanding the ideas presented in 'The Affluent Society'.

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The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time cover

Karl Polanyi

The Great Transformation: The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time

Polanyi's classic work examines the rise of the market economy and its disastrous impact on human society and the environment, providing a thought-provoking counterpoint to Galbraith's analysis of affluence.

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The Culture of Contentment cover

John Kenneth Galbraith

The Culture of Contentment

A later work by Galbraith that builds on the ideas presented in 'The Affluent Society', examining the political and economic forces that shape the behavior of the contented majority.

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The Theory of the Leisure Class cover

Thorstein Veblen

The Theory of the Leisure Class

Veblen's classic work on conspicuous consumption and the leisure class offers a biting critique of the values and behaviors of the wealthy, providing a complementary perspective to Galbraith's analysis.

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The Road to Serfdom cover

Friedrich A. Hayek

The Road to Serfdom

Hayek's influential work argues that government intervention in the economy leads to totalitarianism, providing a counterpoint to Galbraith's call for greater government involvement in addressing social problems.

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The New Industrial State cover

John Kenneth Galbraith

The New Industrial State

In this classic work, Galbraith examines the role of large corporations in the modern economy, providing a critical perspective on the power dynamics between business and government.

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Economics and the Public Purpose cover

John Kenneth Galbraith

Economics and the Public Purpose

Galbraith's later work builds on the ideas presented in 'The Affluent Society', offering a comprehensive vision for a more just and equitable society.

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