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Product Description
What is capitalism? Is capitalism the same everywhere? Is there an alternative? The word 'capitalism' is one that is heard and used frequently, but what is capitalism really all about, and what does it mean? The book begins by addressing basic issues such as 'what is capital?' before discussing the history and development of capitalism through three detailed and absorbing case studies ranging from the tulipomania of seventeenth-century Holland to the recent Enron crisis in America. Fulcher addresses important present day issues, such as New Labour's relationship with capitalism, the significance of global capitalism, and distinctive national models of capitalism. He also explores whether capital has escaped the nation-state by going global, emphasizing that globalizing processes are not new. He discusses the crisis tendencies of capitalism, such as the Southeast Asian banking crisis, the collapse of the Russian economy, and the 1997- 1998 global financial crisis, and asks whether capitalism is doomed. The book ends by asking whether there is an alternative to capitalism, discussing socialism, communal and cooperative experiments, and the alternatives proposed by environmentalists.
About the Author
James Fulcher is Senior lecturer in sociology at the University of Leicester. He is author of Labour Movements, Employers and the State: Conflict and Cooperation in Britain and Sweden, (OUP, 1991), and co-author (with John Scott) of Sociology (OUP, 1999), 'the best of the all-encompassing introductory texts'.
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First Sentence
In April 1601 the English East India Company sent its first expedition to the East Indies. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
In April 1601 the English East India Company sent its first expedition to the East Indies. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was the first book I read in the "Very Short Introduction" series. I was surprised by how substantial it is. It also seems quite balanced. References, suggestions for further reading and a 5 page index are included.
My overall impression is how strong capitalism is world-wide. That supports Fulcher's conclusion that reform must take place within capitalism rather than seeking a replacement for capitalism. However, when Fulcher writes that a "search for an alternative to capitalism is fruitless ... and no final crisis is in sight, or, short of some ecological catastrope, even really conceivable", how improbable is that ecological catastrophe?
As the globe warms and the oceans die, will the rich hold out expecting to be able to use their wealth to make their lives bearable as the rest of us suffer? Just how will capitalism respond to a growing pressure for sustainability? By not exploring the ecological challenges to capitalism, Fulcher has indeed introduced capitalism but not addressed its fate and ours later in this century. Although this is a "very short introduction", Michael Newman's "Socialism: A Very Short Introduction" and Colin Ward's "Anarchism: A Very Short Introduction" do address the ecological issue. Even if socialism and anarchism seem improbable and reform is possible within capitalism, it would have been useful to hear Fulcher's impression of whether and how capitalism might address the challenge of ecological sustainability.
My overall impression is how strong capitalism is world-wide. That supports Fulcher's conclusion that reform must take place within capitalism rather than seeking a replacement for capitalism. However, when Fulcher writes that a "search for an alternative to capitalism is fruitless ... and no final crisis is in sight, or, short of some ecological catastrope, even really conceivable", how improbable is that ecological catastrophe?
As the globe warms and the oceans die, will the rich hold out expecting to be able to use their wealth to make their lives bearable as the rest of us suffer? Just how will capitalism respond to a growing pressure for sustainability? By not exploring the ecological challenges to capitalism, Fulcher has indeed introduced capitalism but not addressed its fate and ours later in this century. Although this is a "very short introduction", Michael Newman's "Socialism: A Very Short Introduction" and Colin Ward's "Anarchism: A Very Short Introduction" do address the ecological issue. Even if socialism and anarchism seem improbable and reform is possible within capitalism, it would have been useful to hear Fulcher's impression of whether and how capitalism might address the challenge of ecological sustainability.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the first of these Very Short Introductions that I have read and I have to say I am more than impressed. I have read a lot of books about similar subjects and expected to find this particular title to be a very generalised, biased, patronising read lacking in depth and variety.
However, FULCHER is very thorough - reaching out to all aspects of capitalism. He looks at its origins, its many forms over time, how it differs between nations. He reaches out to every corner of capitalism past and present. FULCHER also writes brilliantly. His style allows this book to be educational without being over-complicated. Facts and details are used to support his themes without over-complicating matters. The author is also very unbiased in his approach. Capitalism is given praise where it is due, but FULCHER does not ignore its many flaws or social consequences.
I would recommend this to anybody who has an interest in the history and the manner of capitalism. Regardless of whether or not you have an understanding of economics or capitalism already, I think the majority of people would be able to read this very informative piece of work at ease.
I will be looking into some other work by FULCHER.
However, FULCHER is very thorough - reaching out to all aspects of capitalism. He looks at its origins, its many forms over time, how it differs between nations. He reaches out to every corner of capitalism past and present. FULCHER also writes brilliantly. His style allows this book to be educational without being over-complicated. Facts and details are used to support his themes without over-complicating matters. The author is also very unbiased in his approach. Capitalism is given praise where it is due, but FULCHER does not ignore its many flaws or social consequences.
I would recommend this to anybody who has an interest in the history and the manner of capitalism. Regardless of whether or not you have an understanding of economics or capitalism already, I think the majority of people would be able to read this very informative piece of work at ease.
I will be looking into some other work by FULCHER.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Before you buy this book you should ask yourself just one question: do I have a personal background in economics and/or business studies? If the answer is yes, then this book is probably too pedestrian for you. However, for us laymen, this is an excellent introduction to the dynamics of capitalism and how it works.
The book starts with a look at the history of capitalism, and how Dutch traders successfully managed to create artificial shortages of goods in order to drive up prices, or conversely to flood the markets of rivals. The book explains that capitalism has always existed, but it was only the Dutch who made this gradually become a national phenomena. The book also examines the modern stock market, and how Nick Leeson abused its loopholes. The book also examines how globalisation and international organisations operate in relation to capitalism. Throughout the author manages to remain relatively politically neutral.
This book is an excellent companion to the Short Introduction to Socialism, as it enables a fascinating comparison. I strongly recommend both books.
The book starts with a look at the history of capitalism, and how Dutch traders successfully managed to create artificial shortages of goods in order to drive up prices, or conversely to flood the markets of rivals. The book explains that capitalism has always existed, but it was only the Dutch who made this gradually become a national phenomena. The book also examines the modern stock market, and how Nick Leeson abused its loopholes. The book also examines how globalisation and international organisations operate in relation to capitalism. Throughout the author manages to remain relatively politically neutral.
This book is an excellent companion to the Short Introduction to Socialism, as it enables a fascinating comparison. I strongly recommend both books.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Five stars
I have read this book twice now, and find it excellent throughout - not that I am an economist.
In the light of the Occupists take-overs of places such as the steps of... Read more
In the light of the Occupists take-overs of places such as the steps of... Read more
Published 6 months ago by opus
An enjoyable journey through the evolution of capitalism
Being the first 'very short intro' book I have read I approached a little wry that it would be a quick gloss with no real substance, happily I was wrong. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Den
A bit complex for a begginer.
This VSI on Capitalism is the first book from this very popular series that I've ever read. It provides general and very important information on the the origins of capitalism, and... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Antonis
Good, but slightly biased
I just bought this and I have read most of the book. As with all of the "Very Short Introduction..." books, it is a handy and informative little book, compared to the number of... Read more
Published on 21 Jan 2007 by Peter Bjørn Perlsø
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