Hardback
Rethinking Economic Liberalization
A Progressive Approach to Reform
9781802200515 Edward Elgar Publishing
In this innovative book, Jonah Levy conducts an insightful investigation into economic liberalization and articulates a progressive alternative to neoliberalism, compatible with the values and interests of leftist governments and parties.
More Information
Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
In this innovative book, Jonah Levy conducts an insightful investigation into economic liberalization 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. Providing a roadmap to guide the left’s approach to economic liberalization, Levy ensures these actions can be understandable to voters. Ultimately, this book demonstrates how left-leaning governments across Europe have been able to 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. Providing a roadmap to guide the left’s approach to economic liberalization, Levy ensures these actions can be understandable to voters. Ultimately, this book demonstrates how left-leaning governments across Europe have been able to 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.
Critical Acclaim
‘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, UK
– 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, UK
Contents
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
