The Ideas That Rule Us:How to Understand, Organise and Fight Against Bad Economics

by: Chris Grocott (Author)

Publisher: Routledge

Edition: 1st

Publication Date: 2024/10/7

Language: English

Print Length: 180 pages

ISBN-10: 0367753138

ISBN-13: 9780367753139

Book Description

It may seem surprising that the economic choices we make in society are often determined by ideas rather than scientific evidence or financial resources. The consequences of such choices are often stark – such as the austerity policies which eroded our ability to withstand crises like the Covid 19 pandemic. This book explores the ideas that rule how our economy works, how govement operates and how workers organise.A small number of historical economic ideas remain stubboly prevalent and powerful today. However, they are largely based on questionable assumptions about human behaviour and unproven theoretical ideas about economics. They were founded within the realms of philosophy and politics rather than hard science. This book illustrates how politicians have selectively borrowed convenient economic concepts in order to promote and defend policies which entrench and escalate inequalities and other structural problems.This accessible book invites readers to question the ideas that rule us and explore the challenges facing society. It invites progressive thought about how we need to urgently organise action for the future.

About the Author

It may seem surprising that the economic choices we make in society are often determined by ideas rather than scientific evidence or financial resources. The consequences of such choices are often stark – such as the austerity policies which eroded our ability to withstand crises like the Covid 19 pandemic. This book explores the ideas that rule how our economy works, how govement operates and how workers organise.A small number of historical economic ideas remain stubboly prevalent and powerful today. However, they are largely based on questionable assumptions about human behaviour and unproven theoretical ideas about economics. They were founded within the realms of philosophy and politics rather than hard science. This book illustrates how politicians have selectively borrowed convenient economic concepts in order to promote and defend policies which entrench and escalate inequalities and other structural problems.This accessible book invites readers to question the ideas that rule us and explore the challenges facing society. It invites progressive thought about how we need to urgently organise action for the future.