Hardback
Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America
Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America is an examination and critique of the economic mythologies about opportunity and prosperity that underlie our discussions and decision making about public policy. Elisa Jayne Bienenstock and Skaidra Smith-Heisters expose the rich mythology that has emerged since the founding of America, investigating themes such as individualism, self-determination, community, and collective action.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America is an examination and critique of the economic mythologies about opportunity and prosperity that underlie our discussions and decision making about public policy. Elisa Jayne Bienenstock and Skaidra Smith-Heisters expose the rich mythology that has emerged since the founding of America, investigating themes such as individualism, self-determination, community, and collective action.
Through contextual storytelling, this unique book introduces the classic lessons of social psychology, economics, sociology, and political science to explore how myths are used as levers of persuasion, evoking complex associations with American core values: freedom, fairness, and equality. Each chapter presents iconic American stories, contemporary examples and counterexamples, and empirical findings to identify the heuristics and biases that sustain adherence to these narratives. Ultimately, this innovative book empowers readers to engage in this discourse and appreciate the creation, meaning, and implementation of economyths.
The novel insights presented in this book will be of interest to students and academics specializing in sociology, American history, American folklore, economics, social psychology, public policy, and political science.
Through contextual storytelling, this unique book introduces the classic lessons of social psychology, economics, sociology, and political science to explore how myths are used as levers of persuasion, evoking complex associations with American core values: freedom, fairness, and equality. Each chapter presents iconic American stories, contemporary examples and counterexamples, and empirical findings to identify the heuristics and biases that sustain adherence to these narratives. Ultimately, this innovative book empowers readers to engage in this discourse and appreciate the creation, meaning, and implementation of economyths.
The novel insights presented in this book will be of interest to students and academics specializing in sociology, American history, American folklore, economics, social psychology, public policy, and political science.
Critical Acclaim
‘In a rare moment of agreement, scholars from various disciplines have concluded that narratives play a crucial role in how people understand their lives and the world around them. This book highlights the stories Americans tell about the economy and its functioning. The authors not only explore how these “economyths” influence the choices people make but also demonstrate that, even in a deeply polarized society, Americans still share several common ideals. This book is essential reading in both classrooms and homes.’
– Sean Everton, Naval Postgraduate School, USA
‘Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America is an insightful and timely exploration of the stories that shape economic and political understandings in the United States. This book offers a fresh perspective on how deeply ingrained stories influence our collective decision-making and provides readers with the tools to critically assess these narratives in shaping public discourse.’
– Lisa A. Keister, Duke University, USA
‘As an instructor at Arizona State University, I find Economyths an invaluable resource for introducing students to original works and complex economic ideas. The book effectively uses long quotes and original concepts to engage students, making it easier for them to grasp challenging topics in a meaningful and impactful way.’
– Jon McQueen, Arizona State University, USA
‘Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America reveals the hidden and powerful economic myths that shape American lives and discourse. Since they are often taken-for-granted, students may not be aware of the influence of these stories in their understanding of the world. Each chapter introduces readers to a myth by blending a highly-accessible presentation of social scientific evidence with relevant historical and contemporary quotes. Eye-opening and informative, this book challenges students to unpack their own assumptions about the way the world works and is sure to spark class debate.’
– Pamela Paxton, University of Texas at Austin, USA
‘Economyths provides a critical reflection on the myths that drive Americans'' thinking about the economy. Using examples that are informative, entertaining, and accessible, Economyths also demonstrates that those myths have more to say about us than they do about the economy.’
– Michael McBride, University of California, Irvine, USA
‘Economyths is a short sharp book that explains, explores, and explodes prevalent beliefs about how economies - and humans - work. Each chapter offers treats, including stories from history and contemporary arts, with enough dollops of social science to support intelligent skepticism.’
– David S. Meyer, University of California, Irvine, USA
‘In a clear and accessible style, Economyths punctures some of the longstanding misapprehensions we have about how American society works – about who gets ahead and how – and in doing so, gives us penetrating insights into the nature of inequality and into the dark truths behind the American Dream.’
– Katherine Giuffre, Colorado College, USA
– Sean Everton, Naval Postgraduate School, USA
‘Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America is an insightful and timely exploration of the stories that shape economic and political understandings in the United States. This book offers a fresh perspective on how deeply ingrained stories influence our collective decision-making and provides readers with the tools to critically assess these narratives in shaping public discourse.’
– Lisa A. Keister, Duke University, USA
‘As an instructor at Arizona State University, I find Economyths an invaluable resource for introducing students to original works and complex economic ideas. The book effectively uses long quotes and original concepts to engage students, making it easier for them to grasp challenging topics in a meaningful and impactful way.’
– Jon McQueen, Arizona State University, USA
‘Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America reveals the hidden and powerful economic myths that shape American lives and discourse. Since they are often taken-for-granted, students may not be aware of the influence of these stories in their understanding of the world. Each chapter introduces readers to a myth by blending a highly-accessible presentation of social scientific evidence with relevant historical and contemporary quotes. Eye-opening and informative, this book challenges students to unpack their own assumptions about the way the world works and is sure to spark class debate.’
– Pamela Paxton, University of Texas at Austin, USA
‘Economyths provides a critical reflection on the myths that drive Americans'' thinking about the economy. Using examples that are informative, entertaining, and accessible, Economyths also demonstrates that those myths have more to say about us than they do about the economy.’
– Michael McBride, University of California, Irvine, USA
‘Economyths is a short sharp book that explains, explores, and explodes prevalent beliefs about how economies - and humans - work. Each chapter offers treats, including stories from history and contemporary arts, with enough dollops of social science to support intelligent skepticism.’
– David S. Meyer, University of California, Irvine, USA
‘In a clear and accessible style, Economyths punctures some of the longstanding misapprehensions we have about how American society works – about who gets ahead and how – and in doing so, gives us penetrating insights into the nature of inequality and into the dark truths behind the American Dream.’
– Katherine Giuffre, Colorado College, USA
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction to Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America
2 The American dreams of Benjamin Franklin and Kylie Jenner
3 Harry Potter and the Yellow Brick Road
4 The visible hand
5 Win–win, not winner-takes-all
6 Big Brother, Uncle Sam, and Two Santas
7 One nation, over the rainbow
8 Conclusion to Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America
References
1 Introduction to Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America
2 The American dreams of Benjamin Franklin and Kylie Jenner
3 Harry Potter and the Yellow Brick Road
4 The visible hand
5 Win–win, not winner-takes-all
6 Big Brother, Uncle Sam, and Two Santas
7 One nation, over the rainbow
8 Conclusion to Economyths of Work, Value, and Success in America
References
