Overview

Commentators today generally agree that we are at an inflection point in the history of capitalism. This economic system in its long-regnant neoliberal form—privileging free international trade, promoting the transnational movement of capital and labor, and advocating a limited role for the state—has faltered, if not failed, and needs to be superseded by a new political-economic architecture that accommodates pressing concerns relating to national security, climate change, inequality and equity, and resiliency among others. Few serious writers are calling for capitalism to be razed, as this system has proven far superior to others in generating wealth and providing higher living standards. Moreover, since its emergence centuries ago, capitalism has proved highly adaptable, able to survive, even to thrive, in both hospitable and inhospitable circumstances and surroundings, often in the face of stiff competition and outright opposition. In Challenging Capitalism, an interdisciplinary group of distinguished scholars addresses some of the likely challenges of a new political-economic order that minimizes capitalism’s deficiencies without impeding unduly its ability to facilitate and support wealth creation and human flourishing. An introductory chapter traces the development of capitalism as an economic system and identifies the three major eras in the modern version of capitalism. This chapter sets the stage for a baker’s dozen chapters that examine important features and forms of the dominant economic system, including racial capitalism, platform capitalism, surveillance capitalism, authoritarian capitalism, and stakeholder capitalism. The authors approach capitalism and its future from different angles and from a variety of ideological perspectives, offering keen insights into the capitalist paths we have traveled, our position today, and the road or roads ahead. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in capitalism from across the social sciences and humanities, including political economy, sociology, history, political science, public policy, and economics.

Full Product Details

Author:   Peter A. Coclanis ,  Arne L. Kalleberg
Publisher:   Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint:   Routledge
Weight:   0.610kg
ISBN:  

9781041030386

ISBN 10:   104103038
Pages:   314
Publication Date:   24 November 2025
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
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Table of Contents

1.Challenging Capitalism: An Introduction Peter A. Coclanis and Arne L. Kalleberg 2. ""ESG"", Stakeholder Capitalism and the Energy Business: The Measure of All Things… Or The End of Us All? Tilak Doshi 3. Corporate Governance in U.S. Capitalism: In Defense of Stakeholder Models Arne L. Kalleberg 4. Big Brother and the Holding Company: What the Sixties Did for Neoliberalism Benjamin Waterhouse 5. Platforms: Is Competition Obsolete, and Can Capitalism Survive? Michael Munger 6. The Crisis of Capitalism, the Noun Nancy Folbre 7. Brexit and Racial Capitalism Monica Prasad 8. Running the U.S. Economy at Full Throttle Is a Stressful Variant of Capitalism John Komlos 9. Surveillance Capitalism and the Future of Work Kenneth Lipartito 10. No Exit: Richard Powers' Wondrous Meditation on Capitalism Peter A. Coclanis 11. Would Democratic Socialism Be Better Than Social Democratic Capitalism? Lane Kenworthy 12. Democrats, Capitalism, and Free-Labor Ideology Pope ""Mac"" McCorkle 13. East Asia, Authoritarianism, and Capitalism Kevin Hewison 14. Authoritarian Capitalism in Europe László Csaba Index

Reviews

This volume is a scientific feat. Building on an impressive range of disciplines, it combines strong theory with a comparative analytical thrust. Especially noteworthy is its deep scrutiny of the roots and developmental dynamics that underpin the variety of contemporary capitalisms. And its emphasis on nation comparisons makes this book truly unique. - Gøsta Esping-Andersen, Professor of Sociology, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Capitalism is both in crisis and causing wider political and social crises. Challenging Capitalism is a timely and important response, clarifying capitalism’s past trajectories, its multiple varieties today, and the multiple paths along which it may be transformed or transcended. This welcome book will inform debate and action we desperately need. - Craig Calhoun, University Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University

This volume is a scientific feat. Building on an impressive range of disciplines, it combines strong theory with a comparative analytical thrust. Especially noteworthy is its deep scrutiny of the roots and developmental dynamics that underpin the variety of contemporary capitalisms. And its emphasis on nation comparisons makes this book truly unique. - Gøsta Esping-Andersen, Professor of Sociology, Universitat Pompeu Fabra Capitalism is both in crisis and causing wider political and social crises. Challenging Capitalism a timely and important response, clarifying capitalism’s past trajectories, its multiple varieties today, and the multiple paths along which it may be transformed or transcended. This welcome book will inform debate and action we desperately need. - Craig Calhoun, University Professor of Social Sciences, Arizona State University

Author Information

Peter A. Coclanis is Albert R. Newsome Distinguished Professor of History, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA. Arne L. Kalleberg is Kenan Distinguished Professor of Sociology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, USA.

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