The Economy as Cultural System: Theory Capitalism Crisis

The 2008 global crisis unemployment lack of retirement funds bank bailouts today the economy is on everyone's mind. But what makes this rather opaque concept work? This collection of essays seeks out the answer by exploring contemporary capitalism from a variety of theoretical perspectives and by confronting the economy as a cultural system a theory and a driving force of every day life in the West. The first part of the book discusses past and present representation of capitalism (from Hegel and Marx to Negri and Florida) along with their continuing impact. The second part focuses on capitalism as a locus of power and resistance and maps possible responses to the current situation. The roles of metaphor and discourse is examined throughout to rethink the implications of power in the context of globalization and consumer culture.Each chapter features an abstract study questions as well as further reading suggestions which along with its accessible theoretical coverage will make the book an essential study tool for students in social and political thought globalization and social theory.