Economics and Power

A Marxist critique

Business & Finance, Economics, Economic History
Cover of the book Economics and Power by Giulio Palermo, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Giulio Palermo ISBN: 9781317411840
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 3, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Giulio Palermo
ISBN: 9781317411840
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 3, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In the economic debate, power is defined and studied mainly as an interpersonal relation occurring out of perfect competition. This is a consequence of the combination of methodological individualism and the assumption of competition as a natural and everlasting coordinating mechanism, operating without any sort of coercion. This methodology, however, is not adequate to analyze the forms of social coercion that characterize capitalism.

Economics and Power criticizes the main theories of power developed in economic literature, analyzing ultraliberal contractualism to radical political economics, and ultimately suggesting a Marxist conception of power and coercion in capitalism. Palermo’s ontological argument is rooted in the philosophy of ‘critical realism’.This unique volume presents his main finding as being that the essential coercive mechanism of capitalism is competition. Capitalist power is not caused by a lack of competition, but by the central role it plays in this mode of production. Following this, the chapters reconstruct a Marxian conception of power where it is analyzed as a social relation and argues that perfect competition does in fact exist under the disguise of capitalist power. This book criticizes the construct of power and the underlying ideas surrounding perfect competition.

This book is of interest to those who study political economy, as well as economic theory and philosophy.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In the economic debate, power is defined and studied mainly as an interpersonal relation occurring out of perfect competition. This is a consequence of the combination of methodological individualism and the assumption of competition as a natural and everlasting coordinating mechanism, operating without any sort of coercion. This methodology, however, is not adequate to analyze the forms of social coercion that characterize capitalism.

Economics and Power criticizes the main theories of power developed in economic literature, analyzing ultraliberal contractualism to radical political economics, and ultimately suggesting a Marxist conception of power and coercion in capitalism. Palermo’s ontological argument is rooted in the philosophy of ‘critical realism’.This unique volume presents his main finding as being that the essential coercive mechanism of capitalism is competition. Capitalist power is not caused by a lack of competition, but by the central role it plays in this mode of production. Following this, the chapters reconstruct a Marxian conception of power where it is analyzed as a social relation and argues that perfect competition does in fact exist under the disguise of capitalist power. This book criticizes the construct of power and the underlying ideas surrounding perfect competition.

This book is of interest to those who study political economy, as well as economic theory and philosophy.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book State Intervention in Great Britain by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Handbook of Research in the Social Foundations of Education by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Maoist Insurgency Since Vietnam by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book The Changing Face of Korean Cinema by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book HIV/AIDS in China - The Economic and Social Determinants by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Re-framing Literacy by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Cultures of Sustainability and Wellbeing by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book No Way to Pick A President by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book World Music Concise Edition by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book An Introduction to Madhva Vedanta by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Mycenaean Greece (Routledge Revivals) by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Social Partnerships and Responsible Business by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Comparative Inquiry In Politics And Political Economy by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Global Governance and Financial Crises by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Business Sustainability by Giulio Palermo
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy