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 The Critical Historian by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Rationality and the Environment by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Outsiders Inside by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book A World of Excesses by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Rent Seeking in China by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Location Writing by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Feminism and Film Theory by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Ethnicization and Identity Construction in Malaysia by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Terrorism, Trauma and Psychology by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Handbook of the Convention on Biological Diversity by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Ethics Management in the Public Service by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Trust Inc. by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book The Hunger Report 1995 by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Albie Sachs and Transformation in South Africa by Giulio Palermo
Cover of the book Constructivist Psychotherapy 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