Sovereign Individuals of Capitalism (RLE Social Theory)

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Sovereign Individuals of Capitalism (RLE Social Theory) by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill ISBN: 9781317650720
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: August 21, 2014
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
ISBN: 9781317650720
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: August 21, 2014
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

In this sequel to their acclaimed The Dominant Ideology Thesis, the authors develop their analysis of the social and cultural underpinnings of modern capitalism. They confront a central assumption of western culture: namely, that the individual is sovereign, and that capitalism above all other economic forms depends on individualism. These ideas have an unbroken history from Alexis de Tocqueville to Milton Friedman. The paradox of the modern world is that the moral emphasis on the individual is contradicted by the actual organization of economy and society.

The authors suggest that individualism and capitalism have no enduring or necessary relationship. Their linkage is entirely accidental and was confined to one particular historical period in the West. Against the background of what they term the Discovery of the Individual, the authors show how individualism gave capitalism a particular shape, and capitalism in turn highlighted the possessive features of the individual. Oriental capitalism and late capitalism in the West bear no particular relationship to individualism; indeed, they flourish best in the absence of individualistic culture. Collectivism increasingly dominates both economic and social life.

These issues once informed the sociological enterprise, but have not been systematically addressed in recent times. This book revives the classical tradition of the historical and comparative analysis of culture and economy in capitalist society, in the context of the late twentieth-century world.

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

In this sequel to their acclaimed The Dominant Ideology Thesis, the authors develop their analysis of the social and cultural underpinnings of modern capitalism. They confront a central assumption of western culture: namely, that the individual is sovereign, and that capitalism above all other economic forms depends on individualism. These ideas have an unbroken history from Alexis de Tocqueville to Milton Friedman. The paradox of the modern world is that the moral emphasis on the individual is contradicted by the actual organization of economy and society.

The authors suggest that individualism and capitalism have no enduring or necessary relationship. Their linkage is entirely accidental and was confined to one particular historical period in the West. Against the background of what they term the Discovery of the Individual, the authors show how individualism gave capitalism a particular shape, and capitalism in turn highlighted the possessive features of the individual. Oriental capitalism and late capitalism in the West bear no particular relationship to individualism; indeed, they flourish best in the absence of individualistic culture. Collectivism increasingly dominates both economic and social life.

These issues once informed the sociological enterprise, but have not been systematically addressed in recent times. This book revives the classical tradition of the historical and comparative analysis of culture and economy in capitalist society, in the context of the late twentieth-century world.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Economics of the Family and Family Policies by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book The Global Management of Creativity by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Owl of Minerva by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Robert Nozick by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Women in Business by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Whitewash by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Racial Attitudes and Asian Pacific Americans by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Financial Development, Economic Crises and Emerging Market Economies by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book The Law of Duress and Necessity by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Flag, Nation and Symbolism in Europe and America by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Fashion In Focus by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Self Managed Learning in Action by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Progressive Corporate Governance for the 21st Century by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Hollywood Theory, Non-Hollywood Practice by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
Cover of the book Kinship in Action by Bryan S. Turner, Nicholas Abercrombie, Stephen Hill
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