Twenty-First Century Inequality & Capitalism: Piketty, Marx and Beyond is a collection that begins with economist Thomas Piketty’s 2014 book. Most chapters critique Piketty from the perspective of critical theory, global political economy or public sociology, drawing on the work of Karl Marx or the Marxist tradition. The emphasis focuses on elements that are under-theorized or omitted entirely from the economists’ analysis. This includes the importance of considering class and labor dynamics, the recent rise of finance capitalism, insights from feminism, demography, and conflict studies, the Frankfurt School, the world market and the world-system, the rise of a transnational capitalist class, the coming environmental catastrophe, etc. Our goal is to fully understand and suggest action to address today’s capitalist inequality crisis. Contributors are: Robert J. Antonio, J.I. (Hans) Bakker, Roslyn Wallach Bologh, Alessandro Bonanno, Christopher Chase-Dunn, Harry F. Dahms, Eoin Flaherty, Daniel Krier, Basak Kus, Lauren Langman, Dana Marie Louie, Peter Marcuse, Sandor Nagy, Charles Reitz, William I. Robinson, Saskia Sassen, David A. Smith, David N. Smith, Tony Smith, Michael Thompson, Sylvia Walby, Erik Olin Wright.

This is the first volume to treat the idea of positive freedom in detail and from multiple perspectives.

This volume addresses emerging concerns and pivotal problems about our planet’s environment and ecology. The contributions gathered here highlight the inter-relation of topics and expertise regarding a vision for a healthy planet, agriculture and food, health and the environment, global issues, and generational perspectives. The book concludes with an ethical analysis of the multiple and over-lapping challenges that require urgent attention and long-term resolution. It will appeal to scholars and students in a variety of disciplines and fields that deal with the earth’s survival and flourishing.

This book is a critique and provincialization of Western social science and Global Northern academia, by the author of The Digital Coloniality of Power. It exposes shared colonial and extractive rationalities and histories of research, higher education, digitalization, and bioeconomy while proposing in the idea of BluesCollarship, a sketch for an alternative culture of worlding and commoning knowledge work and for making care matter in research and higher education. In a discourse analysis and provincialization of research and higher education, a tradition of elitist White-Collaredness in academia and in the social sciences, in particular, is criticized, and an alternative attitude towards the production, transfer, and use of knowledge – BluesCollarship – is proposed. The latter is rooted in a different idea of what "infrastructure" is, and in practices of decoloniality. Noting the current political climate of propaganda and populism, the persistence of social inequalities as well as of racism and misogyny, it is proposed that how people give warrant for knowledge claims should be reviewed under different terms. A coherent theme is that there is a genealogical root for current neo-extractive and neo-colonial rationalities in the Athenian idea of oikos, which conflates family, household, and property. In taking a distinctly writerly approach – rather than giving ready-made answers – the book aims at permanently provoking readers at every turn to think further, as well as before-and-beyond what is written, but to do so in thinking together with Others. Thus the book addresses scholars and students from across the social sciences who seek challenges to established ways of thinking in academia without simply replacing one canon for another. This book is for those who think of themselves as knowledge and culture laborers in this age of precarization, who seek to replace the university and cognitive capitalism with a pluriversity and an infrastructure built on knowledge and culture as fundamental values.

"Beyond Capitalism: A Comparative Study of Socialism, Communism, and Marxism" by Nicklas Nickel offers a thorough exploration of the ideological frameworks that have shaped modern history and continue to influence our world today. This compelling and insightful book delves deep into the origins, development, and practical impact of socialism, communism, and Marxism, providing a nuanced understanding of these complex ideologies. Unraveling Ideologies: From Historical Origins to Contemporary Relevance Nickel's work is a comprehensive investigation that traces the evolution of these ideologies from their roots in the Industrial Revolution to their manifestations in the 20th and 21st centuries. The book examines the philosophical underpinnings, historical contexts, and societal implications of socialism, communism, and Marxism, offering readers a clear and accessible analysis of their similarities and differences. Drawing on historical events and real-world examples, "Beyond Capitalism" provides readers with an understanding of how these ideologies emerged as responses to the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. It highlights the key principles that define each ideology and unpacks the debates that surround their implementation. Nickel's approach is scholarly yet approachable, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can engage with the material. A Journey Through the Historical and Philosophical Landscape The book begins with a detailed exploration of the 19th-century context in which these ideologies took shape. It examines the profound social, economic, and cultural shifts brought about by industrialization and capitalism, providing a backdrop for understanding the rise of socialism, communism, and Marxism. Nickel delves into the early critiques of capitalism and the calls for social reform, shedding light on the Enlightenment thinkers and liberal ideals that influenced the development of these ideologies. Readers are guided through the tumultuous period of social unrest and labor movements, from the emergence of trade unions to the global spread of these movements and the state's responses. The role of key figures such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is explored in depth, including their foundational works like "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital." Nickel also examines the influence of Marxist thought on the early socialist and communist movements, setting the stage for the book's in-depth analysis of Marxist theory. In-Depth Analysis of Marxist Theory "Beyond Capitalism" dedicates an entire chapter to dissecting the core tenets of Marxist theory, including the concepts of the proletariat and bourgeoisie, dialectical materialism, historical materialism, class struggle, and the role of the state. Nickel's meticulous approach allows readers to grasp the philosophical foundations of Marxism and its revolutionary implications. The book offers a detailed examination of how Marxist theory interprets class relations, social change, and the nature of state power. It explores the concepts of alienation and exploitation within capitalist societies and the Marxist vision of a classless, stateless society under communism. By providing a balanced critique of Marxist theory, Nickel encourages readers to engage critically with its ideas and consider their relevance in the contemporary world. Exploring Socialism and Communism In addition to its focus on Marxism, "Beyond Capitalism" provides a thorough analysis of socialism and communism as distinct yet interconnected ideologies. The book outlines the theoretical foundations of the transition from socialism to communism and discusses the challenges and debates that surround this process. Nickel examines the key features of socialist societies, such as social ownership of the means of production, centralized economic planning, redistribution, social welfare, and democratic participation. He explores the practical implications of these principles in various historical and contemporary contexts, highlighting both the successes and challenges of socialist experiments. The book also delves into the evolution of property rights within socialist systems, comparing them to those in capitalist economies. It offers a nuanced discussion of the bureaucratic state-owned enterprise, its role in socialist societies, and the complexities of state ownership, control, and the allocation of resources. A Balanced and Accessible Approach Nickel's writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making complex ideas and historical developments understandable for readers who may not have a background in political theory or economics. He takes care to present multiple perspectives, acknowledging the criticisms and debates that have surrounded these ideologies throughout history. The book avoids oversimplification, instead offering a balanced view that recognizes the diversity of thought within socialism, communism, and Marxism. It examines both the positive contributions and the limitations of these ideologies, encouraging readers to think critically about their relevance and applicability in the modern world. Contemporary Relevance: Ideologies in the 21st Century "Beyond Capitalism" is not just a historical account; it also addresses the contemporary relevance of socialism, communism, and Marxism in today's global landscape. Nickel discusses the legacy of 20th-century class struggles, the rise of neoliberalism, and the ongoing debates over economic inequality, social justice, and environmental sustainability. By examining the ideological underpinnings of current political and economic systems, the book offers readers valuable insights into the forces that continue to shape our world. It invites readers to reflect on the potential future of these ideologies and consider their role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. A Must-Read for Anyone Seeking Understanding of the Socio-Political Landscape "Beyond Capitalism" is an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape and the ideological debates that continue to influence global society. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a curious reader, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the complex and evolving terrain of socialism, communism, and Marxism. With its thorough analysis, balanced perspective, and accessible style, "Beyond Capitalism" is a valuable addition to any bookshelf. It encourages readers to explore the past, understand the present, and contemplate the future of these ideologies in our ever-changing world. Grab your copy of "Beyond Capitalism: A Comparative Study of Socialism, Communism, and Marxism" today and embark on a journey through the complex ideologies that have shaped history and continue to impact our lives!

This book brings together a collection of essays by progressive global activists in response to Samir Amin’s call for a new global organization of progressive workers and peoples. Amin’s proposal is applauded, criticized and reformulated by these scholar-activists who are all proponents of ways forward toward a more egalitarian world society. Samir Amin, a leading scholar and co-founder of the world-system tradition, died on August 12, 2018. Just before his death, he published, along with close allies, a call for ‘workers and the people’ to establish a ‘fifth international’ to coordinate support for progressive movements. Amin, an Egyptian economist, was an intrepid intellectual and organizer of popular movements whose scholar activism provided inspiration to the global justice movement. The essays in this volume are by other prominent scholar activists who praise, critique and reconfigure Amin’s proposal in order to help humanity confront the contemporary crisis of global capitalism and move toward a more egalitarian global society. The chapters in this book were originally published in the journal, Globalizations.

Herbert Marcuse (1898–1979) was a member of the Frankfurt School, a leading figure of 1960s counterculture, and a fundamental character for the New Left. His ideas and theories, inspired by a rich fusion of Marxian and Freudian thought, exert a strong influence on contemporary thinking about activism, emancipation, and political resistance. He was also a student of Martin Heidegger in the late 1920s and engaged deeply with philosophy throughout his career. The Marcusean Mind is an outstanding survey and assessment of Marcuse's thought. Beginning with a thorough introduction to Marcuse's life and work, 39 chapters by an international and interdisciplinary team of contributors are organized into five clear parts: Intellectual Ecosystems of Marcuse Reason and Sensibilities Futures and Utopias Contemporary Movements Counterrevolutions, Neoliberalism, and Fascism These sections each contain a short introduction, after which Marcusean ideas are brought to bear on many key contemporary debates and issues across the humanities, social sciences, and science and technology. Including a Foreword by Craig Calhoun and an Afterword by Douglas Kellner, The Marcusean Mind is a superb resource for anyone interested in Marcuse's thought and its legacy. It is valuable reading for students of contemporary political theory, activism, philosophy, sociology, media and cultural studies, critical legal studies, and race and gender studies.

Including contributions from senior scholars in the field who do not rely on the paradigm of planetary Sociology, this volume of Current Perspectives in Social Theory illustrates the importance of scrutinizing links between individual identity and social structure, without employing the paradigm of planetary sociology.

Thomas Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century reached the top of most best-seller lists last year shortly after it was released. Nonetheless, few people actually read the book. Yet reviewers have agreed that the book is important because it touches on one of the major problems facing the US economy, the UK economy and many developed nations: rising income and wealth inequality. It also provides an explanation of the problem and a policy solution: a global wealth tax. This book is intended to do three things. First, it provides a summary of the argument of Piketty’s book, which many people have bought and few people have read. Second, it fills in some of the gaps in the book, by providing readers with the background that is needed to understand the volume and the argument. This background information discusses economic data sources, measures of inequality and why income inequality is such an important issue today. Finally, the work provides a defense of Piketty’s analysis and at times some criticism of his work. Pressman explains why the problem of rising inequality is important, where Piketty’s data comes from, and the strengths and weaknesses of that data. It defends Piketty’s inequality, r>g, as the reason inequality has risen over the past several decades in many developed nations. Using Piketty’s own data, this book argues that rising inequality is not just a characteristic of capitalism, but results from different growth rates for income and wealth, which can occur under any type of economic system. Understanding Piketty's Capital in the Twenty-First Century is the ideal introduction to one of the most important books of recent years for anyone interested in Piketty’s work and the inevitability of inequality.

A New York Times #1 Bestseller An Amazon #1 Bestseller A Wall Street Journal #1 Bestseller A USA Today Bestseller A Sunday Times Bestseller A Guardian Best Book of the 21st Century Winner of the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award Winner of the British Academy Medal Finalist, National Book Critics Circle Award “It seems safe to say that Capital in the Twenty-First Century, the magnum opus of the French economist Thomas Piketty, will be the most important economics book of the year—and maybe of the decade.” —Paul Krugman, New York Times “The book aims to revolutionize the way people think about the economic history of the past two centuries. It may well manage the feat.” —The Economist “Piketty’s Capital in the Twenty-First Century is an intellectual tour de force, a triumph of economic history over the theoretical, mathematical modeling that has come to dominate the economics profession in recent years.” —Steven Pearlstein, Washington Post “Piketty has written an extraordinarily important book...In its scale and sweep it brings us back to the founders of political economy.” —Martin Wolf, Financial Times “A sweeping account of rising inequality...Piketty has written a book that nobody interested in a defining issue of our era can afford to ignore.” —John Cassidy, New Yorker “Stands a fair chance of becoming the most influential work of economics yet published in our young century. It is the most important study of inequality in over fifty years.” —Timothy Shenk, The Nation