Global Problems and the Culture of Capitalism

my professor asked us to buy the newer version, but told me this one would work fine. I saved about $70.

I am a high school economics teacher. This book clearly presents some of the complicated problems unregulated free market capitalism has created. I have used it as a resource in several classroom activities as a balance to the oversimplified perspective high school textbooks provide (which are themselves part of a market dominated by a few gigantic publishers who refuse to produce a product that would critique the very paradigm that they operate within).

I am only through the first two chapters and so far I am highly impressed with this text book. It's well written and easy to follow as the author created the book so that each consecutive chapter builds on the previous one. Okay so that is how it should be but I have read some text books that seem to jump from one subject to another with each chapter. And as text books go this one actually keeps my attention and I am enjoying it, so far.

This is an excellent book even if it is outrageously over-priced. To be sure it is polemical and passionate, neither of which are necessarily bad things and certainly not in this case. Professor Robbins argues clearly and cogently for viewing capitalism as another culture and not as an inevitable evolutionary outcome of economic history. Perhaps the book over-emphasises the dangers and difficulties of capitalism but it is not inaccurate in describing them. Here is a history of capitalism laid out in well-written prose and it is not a pretty history. We have much to answer for and much to do to put things right. Highly recommended.

I admit I'm a little biased. Richard Robbins was actually a professor of mine at SUNY Plattsburgh, and I had the opportunity to read this book while at the same time taking his global issues class. This book not only changed my mind about a few of the world's issues, it also gave me a broader perspective about the world in general. I now think about things such as 'where do my clothes come from?' and 'how did my fruit cup get here?'. Robbins is an extremely talented man and writer who asks the question, 'Is Disneyland for Everyone?' The answer: a resounding 'No, and here's why!' This book would benefit anyone seeking to gain an understanding about the world and his/her place in it. It truly is a global world, and Robbins' book is the first step to living in it.