10 Great Book Econ Book Pairings
1) How China Escaped Shock Therapy- @isabellamweber.bsky.social &
How China Escaped the Poverty Trap- Yuen Yuen Ang
Two terrific works with a common theme: that optimal policy solutions are highly dependent on context and the stage of economic development.
1) How China Escaped Shock Therapy- @isabellamweber.bsky.social &
How China Escaped the Poverty Trap- Yuen Yuen Ang
Two terrific works with a common theme: that optimal policy solutions are highly dependent on context and the stage of economic development.
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The Declining Worker Power Hypothesis- @annastansbury.bsky.social+ Summers
Two contending theories for the rise in the capital share. One focuses on competition, the other workers power. Read both
The Economics of Belonging- @martinsandbu.ft.com
Rodrik's classic argues that we necessarily face tradeoffs as part of Globalisation. Sandbu's response is valuable, focusing on how highly integrated economies can still serve ordinary people.
The Blind Assassin- Margaret Atwood
Goldin's important work tracks the advance of college educated women over the 20th century. Atwood's work is a useful compliment, this fiction dealing with the role of middle class women in patriarchy
What's Wrong With Economics- Robert Skidelsky
My favourite defence of economics as a discipline, with my favourite critique. Rodrik convincingly argues for the utility of mainstream models and concepts, Skidelsky asking "what's missing?"
The History of Burma- Thant Myint-U
Sen powerfully argues that the concept of singular, 'unique' identities is a dangerous illusion, and rather we have many, fluid identities. Worth reading with Myint-U, who explores this issue in Burma.
The Capital Order- Clarae Mattei
The relation between full employment and worker power is at least as old as Marx, and brilliantly explored by Kalecki. Mattei's analysis of the 1920s-30s is a great case study on this.