Sustainable Capitalism Essential Work for the Anthropocene

About this book

Capitalism has been linked to climate change, racism and slavery, wealth inequality, and the decline of democracy. At the same time, capitalism may have been instrumental in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, facilitating vast technological innovations, and improving standards of living across the globe. As climate change accelerates and the world is threatened with existential crises, we must ask: Is capitalism incompatible with sustainability? While this question is as complex and urgent as it is resistant to simple answers, the contributors to this volume make the case that a more sustainable capitalism is within our reach.

Sustainable Capitalism takes on the challenge of sustainability from a uniquely interdisciplinary and diverse perspective, offering both theory and tools for action. Topics range from an analysis of the foundations and definition of capitalism to the specific regulatory mechanisms that may be necessary to rein in its current, unsustainable trajectory. Readers will find nuanced and important analyses of options and potential outcomes that are not available in any other work. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the path we are on and how we might improve the lives of people around the globe.

Contents

Introduction

Part I: Foundations of Capitalism
Chapter 1. Defining the Undefinable / Inara Scott
Chapter 2. Essential Perspectives: Foundations of Capitalism / Dana Neacsu
Chapter 3. Democracy and Capitalism / Robert Prentice
Chapter 4. The Techno-Optimist Case for Addressing Sustainability and Its Grounding in Capitalist (Market) Incentives / Daniel R. Cahoy

Part II: American Capitalism
Chapter 5. Comparative Capitalism: Contrasting American and European Systems / Gerlinde Berger-Walliser
Chapter 6. The American Model for Global Growth / David Bernell
Chapter 7. Racism and Capitalism / Elizabeth J. Kennedy

Part III: Capitalism and Corporations
Chapter 8. Corporations: The Heart of American Capitalism / Ruth Jebe
Chapter 9. Capitalism and Respecting Human Rights / David Hess
Chapter 10. Whose Capital? Is Cooperative Ownership a More Sustainable Model for Capitalism? / Mark J. Kaswan
Chapter 11. The Structural Barriers to Eco-Capitalism / Ryan Katz-Rosene

Part IV: Institutional Structures to Support Sustainable Capitalism
Chapter 12. Sustainability and Labor / Liz Brown
Chapter 13. From Neoliberal to Hybrid Corporate Social Responsibility / Rajat Panwar, Natalia Vidal, and Ellen Alexandra Holtmaat
Chapter 14. Smart Regulation to Enhance Wealth Creation & Sustainable Capitalism / Victor B. Flatt and Inara Scott
Chapter 15. Environmental Law: The Paradox of Property Rights for Environmental Protection / Christy Anderson Brekken
Conclusion

Bibliography
Contributors
Index

Customer Reviews

Biography

Inara Scott is the Gomo Family Professor and senior associate dean in the College of Business at Oregon State University. She is the editor in chief of the American Business Law Journal.