The Mystery of the Kibbutz

Egalitarian Principles in a Capitalist World

Nonfiction, History, Jewish, Business & Finance, Economics
Cover of the book The Mystery of the Kibbutz by Ran Abramitzky, Princeton University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Ran Abramitzky ISBN: 9781400888153
Publisher: Princeton University Press Publication: February 13, 2018
Imprint: Princeton University Press Language: English
Author: Ran Abramitzky
ISBN: 9781400888153
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Publication: February 13, 2018
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Language: English

How the kibbutz movement thrived despite its inherent economic contradictions and why it eventually declined

The kibbutz is a social experiment in collective living that challenges traditional economic theory. By sharing all income and resources equally among its members, the kibbutz system created strong incentives to free ride or—as in the case of the most educated and skilled—to depart for the city. Yet for much of the twentieth century kibbutzim thrived, and kibbutz life was perceived as idyllic both by members and the outside world. In The Mystery of the Kibbutz, Ran Abramitzky blends economic perspectives with personal insights to examine how kibbutzim successfully maintained equal sharing for so long despite their inherent incentive problems.

Weaving the story of his own family’s experiences as kibbutz members with extensive economic and historical data, Abramitzky sheds light on the idealism and historic circumstances that helped kibbutzim overcome their economic contradictions. He illuminates how the design of kibbutzim met the challenges of thriving as enclaves in a capitalist world and evaluates kibbutzim’s success at sustaining economic equality. By drawing on extensive historical data and the stories of his pioneering grandmother who founded a kibbutz, his uncle who remained in a kibbutz his entire adult life, and his mother who was raised in and left the kibbutz, Abramitzky brings to life the rise and fall of the kibbutz movement.

The lessons that The Mystery of the Kibbutz draws from this unique social experiment extend far beyond the kibbutz gates, serving as a guide to societies that strive to foster economic and social equality.

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

How the kibbutz movement thrived despite its inherent economic contradictions and why it eventually declined

The kibbutz is a social experiment in collective living that challenges traditional economic theory. By sharing all income and resources equally among its members, the kibbutz system created strong incentives to free ride or—as in the case of the most educated and skilled—to depart for the city. Yet for much of the twentieth century kibbutzim thrived, and kibbutz life was perceived as idyllic both by members and the outside world. In The Mystery of the Kibbutz, Ran Abramitzky blends economic perspectives with personal insights to examine how kibbutzim successfully maintained equal sharing for so long despite their inherent incentive problems.

Weaving the story of his own family’s experiences as kibbutz members with extensive economic and historical data, Abramitzky sheds light on the idealism and historic circumstances that helped kibbutzim overcome their economic contradictions. He illuminates how the design of kibbutzim met the challenges of thriving as enclaves in a capitalist world and evaluates kibbutzim’s success at sustaining economic equality. By drawing on extensive historical data and the stories of his pioneering grandmother who founded a kibbutz, his uncle who remained in a kibbutz his entire adult life, and his mother who was raised in and left the kibbutz, Abramitzky brings to life the rise and fall of the kibbutz movement.

The lessons that The Mystery of the Kibbutz draws from this unique social experiment extend far beyond the kibbutz gates, serving as a guide to societies that strive to foster economic and social equality.

More books from Princeton University Press

Cover of the book After Hegel by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book I Hear My People Singing by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Selected Writings on Aesthetics by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book The Invisible Hook by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book The Jewish Century, New Edition by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book How the Other Half Looks by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book The Meaning of Relativity by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Fly Me to the Moon by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book On Conan Doyle by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Theories of International Politics and Zombies by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Classical Greek Oligarchy by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book What Is Islam? by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Taming the Gods by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Plato's Fable by Ran Abramitzky
Cover of the book Unequal Gains by Ran Abramitzky
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