A01=Patrick J. Cockburn
Adam Smith
Author_Patrick J. Cockburn
books on normative political economy
books on political economy
books on political philosophy
books on political theory
books on public policy economics
books on the economy and society
capitalism
Category=QD
class
decoupling
degrowth
economic development
economic freedom
economic power
economic relations
eq_isMigrated=1
eq_nobargain
exchange value
forthcoming
global political economy
green growth
growth
growth imperative
how does the economy shape social institutions
how does the economy shape society
how long can capitalism survive
Karl Polanyi
labour
labour-centric theory
marginal utility theory
normative political economy
relationship between exchange and labour
social institutions
technological determinism
theory of value
will capitalism change form
Product details
- ISBN 9781509565795
- Publication Date: 27 Nov 2026
- Publisher: Polity Press
- Publication City/Country: GB
- Product Form: Hardback
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Freedom or power? What does capitalism symbolise for you? Markets may seem like the best examples of economic freedom if you are looking for voluntary exchanges, but the most unfair way of allocating resources if you are paying attention to bargaining power. Private property may look like the legal foundation of individual freedom, or the arbitrary power to withhold resources. When we argue about the justices and injustices of capitalism, it matters what we are looking for.
In this incisive introduction to normative political economy, Patrick Cockburn illustrates how our most fundamental disagreements about economic justice are shaped by our choices about which social facts to investigate and which to ignore. Taking a holistic view of political economy, Two Stories About Capitalism is based on a rich and realistic understanding of how our lives are embedded in and shaped by economic and social institutions. Cockburn combines insights from political philosophy, economic sociology and anthropology, and historical and legal studies to provide a refreshing framework for understanding capitalism today.
This is an essential guide for students who bring diverse skills and interests to the study of capitalism and justice.
In this incisive introduction to normative political economy, Patrick Cockburn illustrates how our most fundamental disagreements about economic justice are shaped by our choices about which social facts to investigate and which to ignore. Taking a holistic view of political economy, Two Stories About Capitalism is based on a rich and realistic understanding of how our lives are embedded in and shaped by economic and social institutions. Cockburn combines insights from political philosophy, economic sociology and anthropology, and historical and legal studies to provide a refreshing framework for understanding capitalism today.
This is an essential guide for students who bring diverse skills and interests to the study of capitalism and justice.
Patrick J. L. Cockburn is Senior Lecturer in Philosophy and Political Economy at Swansea University. His research focuses on problems of economic power and justice in capitalist societies. He has published work on economic dependence, property conflicts, the family, and the methodology of political theory.
