Power and Inequality
A Reformist Perspective

Power is a multi-dimensional notion, involving politico-institutional, social, economic and cultural elements, leading to inequalities.

Alessandro Roncaglia (Author)

9781009370523, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 18 January 2024

318 pages
23.5 x 15.5 x 2.2 cm, 0.64 kg

'Economist, historian and political scientist, Alessandro Roncaglia here presents a panorama of power. To paint it, he reaches deep into the history of philosophy and economic thought and of Italian politics and social movements, and presents, in the end, a clear critique of neoliberalism and coherent criteria for progressive reforms.' James K. Galbraith, Professor of Government and Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. Chair in Government/Business Relations, The University of Texas at Austin

Power is a broad and complex concept that cuts across all fields in humanities and social sciences. Written by a leading historian of economic thought, Power and Inequality presents a wide-ranging and multi-disciplinary analysis of power as an economic and social issue. Its aim is not to formulate a new abstract theory of power but rather to illustrate the different ways in which power is used to exacerbate social and economic inequality. Issues such as division of labour and its evolution, different forms of capitalism up to the money-manager economy, the role of networks (from the family to mason lodges and the mafia), the state and the international arena, culture and the role of the masses are considered. The analysis of these elements, causing inequalities of various kinds, is a prerequisite for devising progressive policy strategies aiming at a reduction of inequalities through a strategy of reforms.

1. Introduction
Part I. The Colours of Power: 2. Interpretations and fields of application: the multiple faces of power
3. The origin of inequalities: the division of labour
4. Modern capitalist property and finance
5. The networks
6. The state
7. Culture and power
8. The spatial dimension of power
Part II. Ethical Assessments and Policy Perspectives: 9. The ethics of power between the common good and equality
10. The strategy of structural reforms
11. Materials for a reasonable utopia
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Economic theory & philosophy [KCA]