The Perverse Economy

Why do those whose work is most essential, such as farm workers, earn the least? Why are natural resources exploited in ways that do not take account of their scarcity? These are the disarmingly straightforward questions that dissident economist Michael Perelman directs at the discipline of economics - exploring the whole history of its development in his search for answers. In the process he has created one of the most revealing and accessible critiques of the narrow mind-set that constitutes conventional economics. The Perverse Economy is a bright light in the tradition of modern ecological critique. - John Bellamy Foster, Co-editor, Monthly Review, Professor, Sociology, University of Oregon Author, Ecology Against Capitalism Perelman's crystal-clear style, judicious mixture of historical and contemporary examples, and impassioned orientation to the public and policy makers make this book about markets, society and environment the most relevant recent work of its type. He remains at the leading edge of progressive economic thought, and in the process serves a great many of us unfailingly as a political and moral compass. Indeed, with this work, the broader study of scarcity will never be the same. - Patrick Bond,, Professor, Graduate School of Public and Development Management, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg A valuable critique of mainstream economics, ideal for classroom use. The focus is on the failures of economic theory - of which there are many more than the typical economist will admit - especially in the realm of the demand and supply of inputs, including, capital. Perelman is, as he should be, extra tough on the economists' capital theory and also the treatment of inequality, scarcity, and environment. - James O'Conner, University of California, Santa Cruz