Markets and Power in Digital Capitalism - by Philipp Staab (Hardcover)

About the Book

Philipp Staab takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the virtual realm, exploring how digital surveillance and evaluation practices have infiltrated every aspect of our lives. Staab's compelling analysis challenges us to confront the realities of surveillance capitalism and the urgent need to address the inequities it perpetuates.

Book Synopsis

Markets and power in digital capitalism delves into the complex world of modern capitalism, where technology giants reign supreme. From Google and Apple to Amazon and Tencent, these internet behemoths have reshaped the economic landscape, transforming capitalism as we know it.

Philipp Staab takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the virtual realm, exploring how digital surveillance and evaluation practices have infiltrated every aspect of our lives. What sets digital capitalism apart, he argues, is the rise of 'proprietary markets'. No longer focused on producing goods and selling them for profit, today's meta-platforms thrive by owning and controlling the very markets in which they operate. This raises important questions about power dynamics, market monopolies and the future of economic systems.

With sharp insight and meticulous research, the book sheds light on the intricate workings of our digitised economy. Staab's compelling analysis challenges us to confront the realities of surveillance capitalism and the urgent need to address the inequities it perpetuates.

From the Back Cover

Markets and power in digital capitalism delves into the complex world of modern capitalism, where technology giants reign supreme. From Google and Apple to Amazon and Tencent, these internet behemoths have reshaped the economic landscape, transforming capitalism as we know it.

Philipp Staab takes readers on a thought-provoking journey through the virtual realm, exploring how digital surveillance and evaluation practices have infiltrated every aspect of our lives. What sets digital capitalism apart, he argues, is the rise of 'proprietary markets'. No longer focused on producing goods and selling them for profit, today's meta-platforms thrive by owning and controlling the very markets in which they operate. This raises important questions about power dynamics, market monopolies and the future of economic systems.

With sharp insight and meticulous research, the book sheds light on the intricate workings of our digitised economy. Staab's compelling analysis challenges us to confront the realities of surveillance capitalism and the urgent need to address the inequities it perpetuates.

Review Quotes

'A fascinating book that sheds important new light on the peculiar economic power of big tech.'
Nick Srnicek, author of Platform Capitalism

'Big tech are the architects of digital capitalism, capturing data and frontier technologies to expand their concentrated economic power. As Staab shows in this comprehensive and provocative book, they are not just market players, they are the market. A must-read for understanding the world we live in.'
Cecilia Rikap, author of Capitalism, Power and Innovation

'Staab offers a refreshingly grounded perspective on digital capitalism. Rejecting hyperbolic narratives, he explains how tech companies actually wield market power. This insightful book provides a crucial, Schumpeterian account that recalibrates our understanding of the digital economy's actual and future trajectory. A must-read for anyone seeking clarity in the age of digital giants.'
Aaron Benanav, author of Automation and the Future of Work

'Jargon-free, well-argued, and thought-provoking.'
Diane Coyle, Financial Times

'This book should raise alarm for many readers.
--Y. R. Magrass, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Summing Up: Recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.'
CHOICE October 2024 Vol. 62 No. 2

About the Author

Philipp Staab is Professor for the Sociology of the Future of Work at Humbolt-University of Berlin and Einstein Center Digital Future