Recasting Egalitarianism: New Rules for Communities, States and Markets

In Recasting Egailtarianism, part of Verso's Real Utopias series, economists Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis diagnose the current malaise of the Left as a result of the obsolescence of its traditional economic models. They propose to rejuvenate the egalitarian project through a strategy of asset-based redistribution, drawing in novel ways on markets, competition, state regulation and community governance.

In this major work on economic and social policy, the authors address the twin challenges posed by a globally integrated economy and the key economic roles now played by information, motivation, and other intangibles. Attempting to solve many of the pathologies of market economies, they propose an institutional design that combines egalitarian asset redistribution with markets, competition, state regulation, and community governance.

The controversial nature of these proposals is reflected in many of the commentaries in the book. While some critics doubt the effectiveness of this model, others are suspicious of its reliance on market-style efficiency. Yet others offer various ways in which it can be exteneded and modified. Bowles and Gintis reply to thse diverse commentaries in a concluding essay.

Contributors include: Harry Brighouse, Michael Carter, Steve Durlauf, Paula England, David Gordon, Daniel M. Hausman, Karla Hoff, Andrew Levine, Elaine McCrate, Karl Ove Moen, Ugo Pagano, John E. Roomer, Peter Skott, Michael Wallerstein, Erik Olin Wright.

“Recasting Egalitarianism is an exceptionally stimulating collection of essays … compulsory reading for everyone concerned with the policies and politics of equality.” … Frank Vandenbrouke, former Vice-Prime Minister of Belgium of leader of the Socialistiche Partij

Samuel Bowles and Herbert Gintis both teach at the University of Massachusetts. Their books include Schooling in Capitallst America: Educational Reform and the Contradictions of Economic Life and Democracy and Capitalism: Community Property and the Contradictions of Modern Social Thought.