
Rethinking Economic Liberalization
A Progressive Approach to Reform
Jonah D. Levy(Author)
Edward Elgar Publishing
Will be published approx. on 28. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
248 pages
978-1-0353-9902-4 (ISBN)
Description
In this innovative book, Jonah Levy conducts an insightful investigation into economic liberalisation and articulates a progressive alternative to neoliberalism, compatible with the values and interests of leftist governments and parties.
Levy identifies and expands on the vices of contemporary welfare capitalism, which have been previously targeted by progressive reformers seeking to improve the functioning of the economy while protecting the well-being of low-income and disadvantaged groups. Chapters delve into case studies from the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and wider Europe that show progressive-liberal reforms by centre-left governments, assessing austerity budgets, tax cuts, the promotion of part-time employment and workfare. Levy provides a roadmap to guide the left's approach to economic liberalization and to ensure these actions can be understandable to voters. Ultimately, this book demonstrates how left-leaning governments across Europe can advance liberal objectives in a more just and inclusive manner.
Rethinking Economic Liberalization is an essential read for students and researchers of political science, political economy, sociology, public policy, and social welfare. Political practitioners and progressive think tanks will find the insights presented useful when navigating the challenge of economic liberalization.
Levy identifies and expands on the vices of contemporary welfare capitalism, which have been previously targeted by progressive reformers seeking to improve the functioning of the economy while protecting the well-being of low-income and disadvantaged groups. Chapters delve into case studies from the UK, the Netherlands, Sweden and wider Europe that show progressive-liberal reforms by centre-left governments, assessing austerity budgets, tax cuts, the promotion of part-time employment and workfare. Levy provides a roadmap to guide the left's approach to economic liberalization and to ensure these actions can be understandable to voters. Ultimately, this book demonstrates how left-leaning governments across Europe can advance liberal objectives in a more just and inclusive manner.
Rethinking Economic Liberalization is an essential read for students and researchers of political science, political economy, sociology, public policy, and social welfare. Political practitioners and progressive think tanks will find the insights presented useful when navigating the challenge of economic liberalization.
Reviews / Votes
'Jonah Levy's well-researched and superbly written Rethinking Economic Liberalization re-examines the merits of "Third Way" policy and politics round the turn of the millennium. At the time, Third-Way protagonists wrongly thought to eclipse Left and Right. Notwithstanding this naivety, progressive governments in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK, made way for reform successes to inspire policymakers today wishing to overcome senseless polarization, tackle global challenges, and build a new era of opportunity, justice and prosperity.' -- Anton Hemerijck, European University Institute, Italy 'Rethinking Economic Liberalization provides a profoundly important contribution to the debate on the contemporary political economy. Contra dominant narratives that liberalization amounts only to a single neo-liberal agenda, Levy shows that left parties have both the space and incentives to engage in different types of liberalization. Combining an historical engagement with the ideas of liberalization and in depth analysis of left-driven reform, the book provides a new way of thinking about the contemporary left project and the scope for progressive politics in the contemporary era.' -- Jane Gingrich, University of Oxford, UKMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Cheltenham
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-0353-9902-4 (9781035399024)
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
Person
Jonah D. Levy, Professor of Political Science and Director of Undergraduate Studies, Charles and Louise Travers Department of Political Science, University of California, Berkeley, USA
Content
Contents
1 Introduction to Rethinking Economic Liberalization: from neo-liberalism to progressive liberalism
2 Reducing budget deficits and equity deficits
3 Lower taxes, fairer taxes
4 Making atypical work typical: part-time employment
5 More work, better work: from benefits to employment
6 Conclusion: rethinking the politics of economic liberalization
1 Introduction to Rethinking Economic Liberalization: from neo-liberalism to progressive liberalism
2 Reducing budget deficits and equity deficits
3 Lower taxes, fairer taxes
4 Making atypical work typical: part-time employment
5 More work, better work: from benefits to employment
6 Conclusion: rethinking the politics of economic liberalization