
Never Enough
Capitalism and the Progressive Spirit
Neil Gilbert(Author)
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 12. January 2017
Book
Hardback
232 pages
978-0-19-936133-5 (ISBN)
Description
In this landmark work, Neil Gilbert addresses the long-standing tensions between capitalism and the progressive spirit. Challenging the contemporary progressive outlook on the failures of capitalism, Capitalism and the Progressive Spirit analyzes the empirical evidence for conventional claims about the real level of poverty, the presumed causes and consequences of inequality, the meaning and underlying dynamics of social mobility, and the necessity for more social welfare spending and universal benefits. A careful reading of the research reveals that these issues are far less serious than contemporary progressive claims would have the public believe. Progressive leaders, however, remain firmly wedded to the established social agenda, which conveys a vision of the good society that disregards the historically unprecedented and wide-spread abundance in the advanced post-industrial countries. Meanwhile, the progressive agenda inadvertently caters to the corrosive effects of insatiable consumption and the commodification of everyday life, from which modern capitalism profits. The analysis suggests that it is time to resist the material definition of progress that stands so high on the current agenda and envision alternative ways for government to advance society.
Reviews / Votes
"What is a progressive? That's the question that must be answered before one can begin to understand this study of income inequality and the welfare state. Included is understanding the difference between 'liberal' and 'progressive.' 'Liberal' is a set of ideals, and a liberal advocates using government spending and taxation to bring about equality, an example being progressive taxation. 'Progressivism' is a problem-solving method, advocating changes in social,political, and economic policies. Not to be omitted is a definition of 'conservative,' a set of ideals advocating reduction in the size and role of government. 'Progressive conservatism,' advocated by
Gilbert, is the combination of both of these concepts. He proposes replacing all the social transfer programs, which have income-tested benefits, into a single payment with a uniform level of eligibility that narrows the band of income to which it applies."
-- CHOICE
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
517 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-936133-5 (9780199361335)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2016
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€12.49
Available for download

E-Book
11/2016
1st Edition
OUP eBook
€13.99
Available for download
Person
Neil Gilbert, PhD, MSW, is Chernin Professor of Social Welfare, University of California at Berkeley. He served as a Senior Research Fellow at the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development, was twice awarded Fulbright Fellowships, and served as a Visiting Scholar at the International Social Security Association, where he was a member of the Advisory Board on Social Security Research. Gilbert is Chair of the Board of Directors of Seneca Family of Agencies. His numerous publications include 14 books and 17 edited volumes.
Author
Chernin Professor of Social WelfareChernin Professor of Social Welfare, University of California at Berkleey
Content
Introduction
1. The Progressive Spirit
Poverty
2. The Affluent Society: Poverty Amid Abundance
3. No Longer A Massive Affliction: Are you Blind?
Inequality
4. The Root of All Evil: Poverty to Inequality
5. Inequality Amid Abundance: What's the Harm?
Social Mobility
6. Social Mobility: Going Up and Coming Down
7. The Arc and Ladder of Mobility
Universalism
8. Universalism: Taxing and Spending
9. From Cradle to Grave
10. The Social Compass of Progressive Conservatism
1. The Progressive Spirit
Poverty
2. The Affluent Society: Poverty Amid Abundance
3. No Longer A Massive Affliction: Are you Blind?
Inequality
4. The Root of All Evil: Poverty to Inequality
5. Inequality Amid Abundance: What's the Harm?
Social Mobility
6. Social Mobility: Going Up and Coming Down
7. The Arc and Ladder of Mobility
Universalism
8. Universalism: Taxing and Spending
9. From Cradle to Grave
10. The Social Compass of Progressive Conservatism