Getting Past Capitalism - (Critical Studies on the Left) by Cynthia Kaufman (Hardcover)

About the Book

Getting Past Capitalism begins with a critique of the impacts of capitalism on human society and the environment. By taking a fresh look at what capitalism is and at how it is reproduced, it is able to offer realistic and inspiring ways to move beyond capitalism to already existing alternatives.

Book Synopsis

Getting Past Capitalism begins with a critique of the impacts of capitalism on human society and the environment. By taking a fresh look at what capitalism is and at how it is reproduced, it is able to offer realistic and inspiring ways to move beyond capitalism to already existing alternatives.

Review Quotes

A powerful, instructive and moving guide to the many avenues of systemic challenge and positive movement-building energies and strategies now emerging around the world.


Expresses in clear, concise language thoughts that likely have been bumping around in the minds of many of us who reject capitalism. The book is particularly powerful because of its modesty; Kaufman promises no new grand theory and instead offers insights that we all can use in our daily lives.

The global Great Recession and the deepening climate crisis have made abundantly clear that capitalism is on a collision course with human and ecological well-being. The difficult question is: what to do about it? Getting Past Capitalism is filled with rich insights and fresh proposals for answering that question. Cynthia Kaufman writes clearly and powerfully, offering readers, as her subtitle promises, 'history, vision, and hope.'

About the Author

Cynthia Kaufman is the director of the Institute of Community and Civic Engagement at De Anza College, where she also teaches philosophy.