Monoculture: How One Story is Changing Everything [Kindle Edition]

In "Monoculture," FS Michaels methodically lays out how our societal worldview has been slowly overtaken by a single story - the story of economics. From education and the arts to how we eat, think, and play, Michaels asserts that we have been steeped in a single point of view where value is reduced to what can be sold and worth is determined by financial expediency. Michael's writing is clear and sharp as she brings the impact of this pervasive global philosophy down to the personal level, showing how it affects our lives in the everyday.

Michaels spent years researching this book and it shows. This book is packed full of observations and opinions from a wide range of economists, artists, philosophers and scholars, and Michaels introduces each new section of the book with a concise historical context outlining how things once were, how they developed, and how we arrived where we are. Michaels presents a clear argument without resorting to soapboxing, emotional appeals, or badgering. There is no guilt trip here, just a careful deconstruction of philosophical assumptions that too often go unquestioned. And while it is intellectually satisfying, "Monoculture" is no overbearing academic tome. Michaels' writing is engaging and accessible for readers with a wide range of ability and interest. This is not a pounded pulpit, but a door opening into a discussion that we as a society badly need to have.

This is one of my personal favorites of the books I have read in the last few years, for several reasons. First of all, it is one of those books that helps you to step back and take a good look at your own beliefs and narratives about how the world works and why, jolting you out of your usual thinking and presenting another perspective. Some of these ideas hit home - ideas I was vaguely aware of but unable to articulate, while others are totally new.
The author posits that the market economy is what basically drives every area of our lives. Of course this makes sense; if we can't put food on the table, we won't be around to consider anything else - that is about survival so easily becomes our main narrative. However, this narrative has gone way beyond survival and need into our crazy consumer driven lives. The breadth of this book is another reason for the five stars - the author addresses how this narrative effects most areas of our lives including the music we listen to, the art we come to value, obviously the clothes we wear, our medical care, our religion, our relationships with family members and friends, etc. - much more! I think many of us are aware of these things without realizing the extent to which we have lost choice in many of these areas. For example, it is common knowledge what has happened to the music industry with monopolies such as Sony determining what we listen to, as well as other media corporations determining which version of the news we are offered. I have always found it interesting to watch religions shape themselves in such a way as to receive government aid through non-profit status also. These things and many more are addressed in this book.
Another reason for the five stars: yes there are ideas for solutions presented. We already know many of them and this reading is helping me to stick to my own values more often. For example, I'm putting more effort into supporting local businesses, co-ops, local musicians and artists, etc. The author talks about a parallel narrative, along the lines of "Being the change" we want to see in the world. It is easy when addressing some of these topics to feel overwhelmed and hopeless - not so with this book - it IS helping me to be that change, as small as it may be!

July 9, 2012 - Edited to change to five stars. I had mistakenly clicked on four starts, altho stating five in the body of this review.

F. S. Michaels makes a clear, straightforward case that economics has become the governing pattern that is invisibly shaping all aspects of North American culture. Economics is unconsciously shaping how we think about work, interpersonal relationships, nature, community, health, spirituality, education, and creativity. This economic monoculture is shaping how we think, act, and live. Michaels clearly explains how the economic worldview shapes our lives. She illustrates with examples the consequences of our economic monoculture. She also provides guidance about how to break out of the constraints of a monoculture to live a more genuine life. She does not advocate having to start a world movement. Her suggestions focus on what we can do as individuals in choosing to live a more satisfying and diversified life. She points to people who have moved beyond the confines of the monoculture. She is also realistic about the difficulties of living a life that embraces more than the dominant economic story.

Michaels stays focused and to the point in her writing. There is no fluff contained in the pages of this book. "Monoculture" is a short, interesting, informative, provocative read.