{"product_id":"thinking-like-an-economist-how-efficiency-replaced-equality-in-us-public-policy-9780691167381","title":"Thinking like an Economist: How Efficiency Replaced Equality in U.S. Public Policy","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eEconomic reasoning became dominant in Washington between the 1960s and 1980s, and it continues to constrain progressive ambitions today. This way of thinking, introduced by liberal technocrats, was grounded in economics and transformed law and policy. It was allied with Republicans and in conflict with liberal Democrats who argued for rights, equality, and limits on corporate power. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had spread throughout government policy and laws affecting poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Hardback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 344 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 05 April 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Princeton University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBetween the 1960s and 1980s, a unique way of thinking known as \"economic style of reasoning\" gained dominance in Washington, shaping public policy debates and limiting progressive ambitions. This approach, introduced by liberal technocrats seeking to improve government, was rooted in economics but also influenced law and policy. At its core was an economic understanding of efficiency, which often aligned with Republicans and conflicted with liberal Democrats who advocated for rights, equality, and corporate power limits. By the Carter administration, economic reasoning had permeated government policy and laws related to poverty, healthcare, antitrust, transportation, and the environment. Fearing waste and overspending, liberals restrained their ambitions for decades, even as Reagan and his Republican successors promoted economic efficiency when it served their own goals.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThinking like an Economist, by Elizabeth Popp Berman, provides a compelling account of how American politics reached its current state and offers critical lessons for the future. With the political left resurgent today, Democrats have the opportunity to break with the past but will require abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and successfully advocating for bold policy changes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dominance of economic reasoning in Washington has had far-reaching consequences, shaping the policies that address critical social and economic issues. One of the most significant impacts is the narrowing of the policy agenda. Economic style of reasoning emphasizes efficiency, cost-benefit analysis, and market-driven solutions, which can lead to policies that prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability and social well-being. This has resulted in a lack of attention to issues such as income inequality, climate change, and social justice, which require comprehensive and systemic solutions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother consequence of economic reasoning is the erosion of democratic participation and representation. Economic style of reasoning tends to prioritize the interests of powerful corporations and wealthy individuals, which can undermine the voice and influence of ordinary citizens. This can lead to policies that benefit the few at the expense of the many, perpetuating economic inequality and social injustice.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, economic reasoning has limited the ability of governments to address complex social and economic challenges. The focus on efficiency and cost-benefit analysis can lead to policies that are narrowly tailored to specific problems, rather than taking a holistic and comprehensive approach. This can result in policies that are ineffective or even counterproductive, as they fail to address the root causes of social and economic problems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo overcome the dominance of economic reasoning and promote progressive ambitions, Democrats must embrace a bold political vision that goes beyond the narrow confines of economic efficiency. This will require challenging the assumptions underlying economic style of reasoning and advocating for policies that prioritize social and economic well-being, equality, and sustainability.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne approach to achieving this is by promoting a more progressive tax system that redistributes wealth from the wealthy to the middle and lower classes. This can fund public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare programs that benefit all members of society, rather than just the wealthy few.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother approach is to invest in sustainable infrastructure and industries that promote job creation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. This can include initiatives such as renewable energy, public transportation, and affordable housing, which create jobs and improve quality of life while reducing carbon emissions and other environmental pollutants.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, Democrats must prioritize the rights and interests of marginalized communities, such as workers, immigrants, and people of color. Economic style of reasoning often perpetuates systemic inequalities and discrimination, which can lead to social unrest and political instability. By advocating for policies that promote equality and social justice, Democrats can build a more inclusive and equitable society.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the dominance of economic reasoning in Washington has had profound consequences for public policy and progressive ambitions. By abandoning the shibboleth of economic efficiency and embracing a bold political vision that prioritizes social and economic well-being, equality, and sustainability, Democrats can break with the past and build a more prosperous and equitable society.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 686g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 166 x 243 x 35 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9780691167381\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Elizabeth Popp Berman","offers":[{"title":"Hardback","offer_id":44101551292666,"sku":"9780691167381","price":31.52,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1666352493023_book.jpg?v=1666423802","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/thinking-like-an-economist-how-efficiency-replaced-equality-in-us-public-policy-9780691167381","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}