The Social Effects of Economic Thinking - by Kenneth A Loparo (Hardcover)

About the Book

"The theories and hypotheses driving economic modeling and policy have real-world, tangible effects on the lives of those implicated. As such, ideologies play a particularly challenging role in economic policymaking, as the decisions made by governing bodies have the potential to alter the lives of many. In this engaging work, Van Lear paints a vivid picture of the social implications of economic thought, creating a careful narrative which stresses the importance behind turning ideas into action within the economic world. This books aims to explain how social outcomes result from the influence of economic ideas which are themselves strongly impacted by the distribution of power in society"--Cover.

Book Synopsis

The book explains how social outcomes result from the influence of economic ideas which are themselves strongly impacted by the distribution of power in society. The book examines policies and programs of contending interests, emphasizing the importance of socio-economic issues stemming from quasi-economic stagnation.

Review Quotes

"This book provides a thoughtful, comprehensive examination of the connection between economic forces and social policy. Issues such as income distribution and government spending are of greater concern to most Americans as the gaps between social classes continue to widen. Van Lear provides a compelling argument for why every American should be more concerned about the declining vitality of our economy and the implications it holds for our future." - Jennifer Szakaly, Belmont Abbey College, USA

"Van Lear provides a frank assessment of how we obtained the economic crisis of our current age. Ideology plays a fundamental role in shaping our political and social policy - unfortunately, contemporary neo-liberal ideology, which is radical lassie-faire economics, moves us in a social direction which is extremely averse to the human condition. Such an outcome is similar to the professed fears of the right, in which human agency becomes severely diminished. I highly recommend this text to any engaged sociologist, economist, or political scientist." - J. Michael Botts, Belmont Abbey College, USA

About the Author

William Van Lear is a professor of Economics at Belmont Abbey College, Belmont, USA.