The Political Economy Of A Gilded Age Revisited

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In an era marked by soaring wealth inequality, political polarization, and the erosion of democratic norms, The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition, offers a timely and incisive analysis of the challenges facing contemporary American society. This comprehensive volume brings together leading scholars to shed light on the economic, political, and social forces that have shaped the United States in recent decades, creating a starkly divided society reminiscent of the Gilded Age of the late 19th century.

Understanding the New Gilded Age:

The term "Gilded Age" was coined by Mark Twain to describe a period of rapid economic growth and industrialization in the United States from the 1870s to the early 1900s. This era was characterized by immense wealth accumulation at the top, while the majority of the population struggled with poverty and inequality. The New Gilded Age, as described in this book, draws parallels to this historical period, highlighting the growing wealth gap, the decline of the middle class, and the rise of populism and political extremism.

Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age - Second Edition (Russell Sage Foundation Co-pub)

by Larry M. Bartels

4.7 out of 5

FREE

Key Themes Explored:

The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition examines a wide range of interrelated themes, including:

• Economic Inequality: The book delves into the causes and consequences of the widening wealth gap in the United States, exploring the role of factors such as globalization, technological change, and tax policies.
• Political Polarization: The authors analyze the increasing polarization of American politics, discussing the rise of partisan media, gerrymandering, and the influence of money in elections.
• Decline of the Middle Class: The book examines the erosion of the middle class in the United States, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in an increasingly automated and globalized economy.
• Populism and Extremism: The authors explore the rise of populist and extremist movements in response to the economic and political anxieties of the New Gilded Age.
• Policy Responses: The book concludes with a discussion of potential policy responses to the challenges of the New Gilded Age, considering both progressive and conservative approaches.

Critical Perspectives and Policy Implications:

The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition presents a nuanced and balanced analysis of the complex economic, political, and social forces shaping contemporary American society. The authors offer diverse perspectives on the causes and consequences of the New Gilded Age, drawing on a range of disciplines including economics, political science, sociology, and history.

The book's policy recommendations are informed by a deep understanding of the challenges facing the United States. The authors advocate for a range of progressive policies aimed at reducing inequality, promoting economic mobility, and strengthening democratic institutions. These recommendations include raising the minimum wage, expanding access to healthcare and education, and reforming the campaign finance system.

Relevance to Current Events:

The publication of The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition is particularly timely given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities. The book's analysis of economic inequality, political polarization, and the decline of the middle class provides valuable insights into the challenges facing American society in the wake of the pandemic.

Why Read The Political Economy Of The New Gilded Age, Second Edition?

The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex economic, political, and social forces shaping the United States in the 21st century. This comprehensive volume offers a timely and incisive analysis of the challenges facing contemporary American society, providing valuable insights and policy recommendations for addressing the deep-seated inequalities and divisions that characterize the New Gilded Age.

About the Authors:

The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition is edited by Kevin M. Murphy and Isabel V. Sawhill. Kevin M. Murphy is the George J. Stigler Distinguished Service Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Isabel V. Sawhill is a senior fellow in Economic Studies at the Brookings Institution. The book features contributions from a team of leading scholars in economics, political science, sociology, and history.

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The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age, Second Edition is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the challenges facing the United States in the 21st century. This comprehensive and timely volume offers valuable insights and policy recommendations for addressing the deep-seated inequalities and divisions that characterize the New Gilded Age.

Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New Gilded Age - Second Edition (Russell Sage Foundation Co-pub)

by Larry M. Bartels

4.7 out of 5

FREE