Foreword

The complexity of social and economic policy problems of the 21st century, including the widening of inequality gaps both locally and globally, is strongly increasing. Many take this as a call to revise, in a nontrivial way, our conceptual outlooks, and to increase recognition of the role and importance of multi-sided reflection of theory and practice. The evolution of capitalism and the globalization of its various forms has contributed to unprecedented social, political, and environmental challenges. The global financial crisis of 2007-2008 made clear the need to redress and redesign both the global economy and economics as a discipline, to broadening the dialogue on social responsibility, and to develop a new culture of decision making. The long-standing debates regarding economic systems, criteria of economic and social justice, and which macroeconomic policies bring about the best possible outcomes are gaining currency; this leads to asking new questions concerning various aspects of the state and market relationships on national and transnational levels, and the relation between freedom and capital economy. A pluralist approach is needed, both practically and methodologically, for a better grasp of the historical development and conditions of both the current socio-economic system and our framing and perception of it in problem solving approaches.

Pluralist Readings in Economics: Key-concepts and policy tools for the 21st century provides such conceptual openings in interdisciplinary engaged and accessible ways. In this eBook, Maria Alejandra Madi provides broad coverage of the topics through a careful selection of some of the influential economic thinkers, and offers a substantial literature overview that includes pointing the reader to the main tenets of the included authors’ ideas, context, and interpretations. Dealing with complex problems requires an ability to go beyond our received ideas and conceptualizations of the problems in question to redefine them in new contexts, and to dialoguing on social responsibility. Maria Alejandra Madi’s introductory work fits well with such end, preparing the reader for enlargement of the debate that aims to contribute to the transformation to a more just and sustainable economy and world.

The book is recommended for a broad interdisciplinary audience, specifically to students in social sciences and humanities. It will benefit all those who seek to better understand the complex stakes in the transitions of the capitalist system, in the tensions between regulatory policies, free market equilibria, and participatory openings in governance.