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inquiry_from_an_anti_library's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
Is This An Overview?
What defines capital and capitalism has changed. Capital used to mean money in the process of making more money. Then expanded into any asset that obtains a profit. Capitalism came into being as a criticism of the class society. Capitalism has become a set of aspects which are based on decentralized decision making, commodification, and accumulation. Within capitalism, markets are the form in which people coordinate and distribute resources. Capitalism uses various means to expand, to make investments that have an opportunity for greater future reward. The more global a market is, the more sales opportunities there are.
The philosophers during the Enlightenment era witnesses destructive wars undertaken by governments, which lead them to seek alternative decision making methods. Enlightenment philosophers provided a defense for market capitalism, as it could be used as a civilizing force. The state and market may often be seen in opposition to each other, for they rely on different methods and procedures. But markets and political power cannot be readily separated. Capitalists have used government influence to shape production. To protect their assets, even against competition. The state and market have different functions, but each relies on the other’s function, to function. Capitalism also has inherent problems, such as business cycles. Capitalism values individualism, but too much individualism breaks social ties. Firms under capitalism can behave in inappropriate ways to earn a profit, such as exploit labor. Firm behavior that gave rise to labor movements.
Caveats?
This book contains a diverse global history on the methods of capitalism. Although there is a vast range of history, there is very little content on each historic example and explanation. Most examples serve as proofs of concept rather than build comprehension of the topic. Readers who already know more details about the examples are in a better position to understand the context of the ideas.
Social values change. There are various historical state and market features that have become derided because of the change in values. Although the author sometimes acknowledges that states have used what has become inappropriate methods of production, the author generally highlights capitalisms involvement in the inappropriate methods of production. The negative consequences of capitalism are provided, but not the same aspects and consequences within state operations.
ladyeremite's review against another edition
3.0
An adequate and cogent introduction to the subject which can be used for students at a variety of levels.
linehdk's review against another edition
3.0
A Short History of Capitalism is interestingly enough written in very, very long sentences. That of course makes it rather difficult to read - and by that equally difficult to comprehend.
Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that Kocka knows his stuff. It’s just that his professor style of writing demands huge amounts of concentration (and coffee) if you are to be able to absorb the content of his words.
EXHIBIT A:
“As was demonstrated by a renewal of interventionism in economic policy (e.g., nationalized industries), by growing public spending, but also by initiatives in foreign economic policy that accompanied the implementation of imperialism (protectionist tariffs, subsidies, zones of influence, and colonies established also for economic purposes), and especially by the rise of the welfare state starting in the 1880s, state authorities were now intervening with greater intensity in economy and society, just as, conversely, economic and social interests that had become increasingly organized were now exercising influence on politics and public policy through their lobbies and interest groups.”
[gasping for breath]
This is a re-write, Herr Kocka.
Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that Kocka knows his stuff. It’s just that his professor style of writing demands huge amounts of concentration (and coffee) if you are to be able to absorb the content of his words.
EXHIBIT A:
“As was demonstrated by a renewal of interventionism in economic policy (e.g., nationalized industries), by growing public spending, but also by initiatives in foreign economic policy that accompanied the implementation of imperialism (protectionist tariffs, subsidies, zones of influence, and colonies established also for economic purposes), and especially by the rise of the welfare state starting in the 1880s, state authorities were now intervening with greater intensity in economy and society, just as, conversely, economic and social interests that had become increasingly organized were now exercising influence on politics and public policy through their lobbies and interest groups.”
[gasping for breath]
This is a re-write, Herr Kocka.
lisacmuth's review against another edition
3.0
Picked it up on a whim in a book store at a train station. I know very little about the subject, so I learned a lot. I was impressed by the knowledge and rhetoric of the author...which helped me to oversee the denseness and unnecessary length of many of his sentences. It's not the easiest read.
Regardjng his stance: He offers a neutral to positive perspective on the achievements of capitalism - I found especially the last chapter fascinating, in which he makes that case and explains that there are lots of alternative (re)forms of capitalism possible.
Regardjng his stance: He offers a neutral to positive perspective on the achievements of capitalism - I found especially the last chapter fascinating, in which he makes that case and explains that there are lots of alternative (re)forms of capitalism possible.
ponts's review against another edition
medium-paced
1.25
some informative stuff, especially in the beginning; mostly disagree with the argument the author is trying to make about how maybe capitalism isn't as bad as everyone thinks it is though;
vipsahtanut's review against another edition
informative
2.0
Quite informative, but a bit contradictory at times.
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