American Capitalism and the Changing Role of Government

by Harry G. Shaffer

Overview

The conventional wisdom has it that a balanced budget is the height of economic rationality, that social security should be privatized, and that most adult welfare recipients could and should get jobs. All our social and economic problems, we are told, are due to too much government; if we only left the American free enterprise system alone, the free market would heal all that ails our society and lead to lasting prosperity. Challenging these widespread stereotypes and myths, this book starts with the fundamental theory underlying capitalist ideology, showing that even in theory an unfettered free market cannot deal effectively with the many needs of a modern economy.

Our society has many social goals to which the great majority subscribe—goals such as sustained full employment, universal health care, and quality education for all. The free market will not, the author argues, bring us quality education for every American child, affordable universal health care, Social Security for the elderly, assistance for the poor, or protection of the environment. Only an active, participant government can affect positive change in such areas of social concern.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780275965785
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/30/1999
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	1440L (what's this?)

About the Author

HARRY G. SHAFFER is Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Kansas. His ten published books include The Soviet Treatment of Jews (1974), Women in the Two Germanies: A Comparison of Socialist and Non-Socialist Society (1981) and The Soviet System in Theory and Practice: Selected Western and Soviet Views (1984).

Table of Contents

Foreword
Capitalism: Theory and Practice, Myths and Realities: An Introduction
Correct Economic Policy? What's Good for the Goose is not Necessarily Good for the Gander
Boom and Bust: The Capitalist Experience
Distribution of Wealth and Income: Poverty Amidst Plenty
Inflation Vs. Unemployment: Which Is Worse?
Balancing the Budget: The Cure for Our Economic Ills?
Our National Debt: Are We Going Broke?
Social Security: Will It Be Here for Our Children?
Welfare: Which Way Now?
Health Care: A Social Responsibility or a Profitable Business?
Education: We Can't Do Without It
The Environment: More Economic Growth or a More Liveable Planet? A Delicate Balance
Taxation: The Price We Pay for Living in a Civilized Society
Conclusion: Are You Any Wiser Now that You've Read This Book?
Further Reading Suggestions