Take Back the Economy: An Ethical Guide for Transforming Our Communities: J. K. Gibson-Graham, Jenny Cameron, Stephen Healy: 9780816676071: Amazon.com: Books
Take Back the Economy: An Ethical Guide for Transforming Our Communities Paperback – May 9, 2013
by J. K. Gibson-Graham (Author), & 2 more
4.2 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
In the wake of economic crisis on a global scale, more and more people are reconsidering their role in the economy and wondering what they can do to make it work better for humanity and the planet. In this innovative book, J. K. Gibson-Graham, Jenny Cameron, and Stephen Healy contribute complex understandings of economics in practical terms: what can we do right now, in our own communities, to make a difference?
Full of exercises, thinking tools, and inspiring examples from around the world, Take Back the Economy shows how people can implement small-scale changes in their own lives to create ethical economies. There is no manifesto here, no one prescribed model; rather, readers are encouraged and taught how to take back the economy in ways appropriate for their own communities and context, using what they already have at hand.
Take Back the Economy dismantles the idea that the economy is separate from us and best comprehended by experts. Instead, the authors demonstrate that the economy is the outcome of the decisions and efforts we make every day. The economy is thus reframed as a space of ethical action—something we can shape and alter according to what is best for the well-being of people and the planet. The book explores what people are already doing to build ethical economies, presenting these deeds as mutual concerns: What is necessary for survival, and what do we do with the surplus produced beyond what will fulfill basic needs? What do we consume, and how do we preserve and replenish the commons—those resources that can be shared to maintain all? And finally, how can we invest in a future worth living in?
Suitable for activists and students alike, Take Back the Economy will be of interest to anyone seeking a more just, sustainable, and equitable world.
See all 4 formats and editions
Kindle
$18.71Read with Our Free App
Paperback
Review
"Take Back the Economy is the single most farsighted and practical work enlightening us on the path to a steady transition toward a genuine postcapitalist world. It is based on the presupposition that reorienting the economy means much more than the control of production—it means reinventing ourselves, our communities, and our world in profound ways. Out of this act of ‘reframing’ there emerges a novel understanding of work, enterprise, market, property, even finance. In this wonderful new work in the tradition of Gibson-Graham, students, activists, movements, and communities will find a toolkit for ethical and effective action any time, any place."—Arturo Escobar, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
"Take Back the Economy is a valuable, engaged accessible and very clear addition to the Community Economics Collective oeuvre, and I hope it will be read widely and--more importantly--change the world."—Antipode
"Readable, practical, radical."—Sociology
"A most exquisitely conducted study into the not-for-profit or other side of organisations. It impressively shows that ‘another world’ is not only possible but already here."—Organization
"Beneficial for the use of individuals looking to alter their environmental or economic impact, students interested in administration or economics, or researchers and planners seeking alternatives for their communities."—Journal of Appalachian Studies
Read less
About the Author
J. K. Gibson-Graham is the pen name of Katherine Gibson and the late Julie Graham, feminist political economists and economic geographers based at the University of Western Sydney, Australia, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Editorial Reviews
Review
"Take Back the Economy is the single most farsighted and practical work enlightening us on the path to a steady transition toward a genuine postcapitalist world. It is based on the presupposition that reorienting the economy means much more than the control of production—it means reinventing ourselves, our communities, and our world in profound ways. Out of this act of ‘reframing’ there emerges a novel understanding of work, enterprise, market, property, even finance. In this wonderful new work in the tradition of Gibson-Graham, students, activists, movements, and communities will find a toolkit for ethical and effective action any time, any place."—Arturo Escobar, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
"Take Back the Economy is a valuable, engaged accessible and very clear addition to the Community Economics Collective oeuvre, and I hope it will be read widely and--more importantly--change the world."—Antipode
"Readable, practical, radical."—Sociology
"A most exquisitely conducted study into the not-for-profit or other side of organisations. It impressively shows that ‘another world’ is not only possible but already here."—Organization
"Beneficial for the use of individuals looking to alter their environmental or economic impact, students interested in administration or economics, or researchers and planners seeking alternatives for their communities."—Journal of Appalachian Studies
Read less
About the Author
J. K. Gibson-Graham is the pen name of Katherine Gibson and the late Julie Graham, feminist political economists and economic geographers based at the University of Western Sydney, Australia, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Product details
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Univ Of Minnesota Press; 1 edition (May 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0816676070
ISBN-13: 978-0816676071
Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars 8 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #447,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#757 in Economic Policy
#31 in Australian & Oceanian Politics
#761 in Economic Policy & Development (Books)
Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?
Related video shorts (0)Upload your video
Be the first videoYour name here
More about the authorsDiscover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
J. K. Gibson-Graham
Follow
Stephen Healy
Follow
Jenny Cameron
Follow
Ad feedback
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
10 customer ratings
5 star 67%
4 star 17%
3 star 0% (0%)
0%
2 star 0% (0%)
0%
1 star 16%
How does Amazon calculate star ratings?
Review this product
Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review
Ad feedback
Top Reviews
Paul P. O'Connor
5.0 out of 5 stars Giving this book now to family members and friends is a special occasionReviewed in the United States on September 27, 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As we watch the middle class dwindle, its income stagnant, feeling helpless to help themselves and helpless to help the poor, along comes a book that gives us practical advice supported by empirical evidence of what we can do to change the lives of our families, our communities, our Nation and the Universe. The authors aren't just brilliant academics, they have the practical experience. Anybody can say there has to be a change or blog about what is wrong. The book tells us what we can do because we are not powerless subjects of recalcitrant governments and bureaucracies. This is one of the few books that I have sent to family members simply because of its merits and not waited for a special occasion. I suggest you not borrow a copy, buy it, because you will be marking it up in the margins, underlining, and highlighting text as you learn what you can do to "Take Back The Economy".
6 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
vincent lyon-callo
5.0 out of 5 stars Take back the economyReviewed in the United States on July 27, 2013
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
An informative and engaging work that offers both critical insights into contemporary conditions and concrete examples of what can (and is) being done to take back the economy and create more sustainable (ecologically, emotionally, and economically sustainable) communities. This work helps readers imagine how to escape the debilitating condition of seeing "capitalism" as everywhere and forevermore. Perhaps most impressively, three academics have produced a book that is enjoyable to read with graphics and examples to illustrate their arguments. A wonderful book overall.
4 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Steffanie Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, practical, inspiring resource.Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Fantastic, practical, inspiring resource. The associated website is also tremendously helpful as a resource for education and action.
Both are great antidotes to the prolific negative takes on so many global environmental, social, and economic trends.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Barbara
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on December 2, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
What a wonderful book, highly recommend it, in the hope of a better world for us all.
HelpfulComment Report abuse
MAG
4.0 out of 5 stars an excellent text. I would recommend a little more readings ...Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Although this book is wrote for a community-level approach (and use by community members) it is a little dense in sections that prevent some of the concepts from being appropriately understood. It is, however, an excellent text. I would recommend a little more readings in the background of the neoliberal economy before trying to tackle this book though.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Sam Grant
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to get your community considering ethical considerations in community developmentReviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
Format: Paperback
Book Review
Gibson-Graham, J.K., Jenny Cameron and Stephen Healy. 2013. Take Back the Economy: An Ethical Guide for Transforming our Communities. University of Minnesota Press; Minneapolis, MN. ISBN -978-0-8166-7606
I have been a community economic development professional and educator on this subject for more than 20 years. I am always on the lookout for books that make it simple for emerging practitioners and students to develop a quick sense of how to frame and re-frame, act, reflect and improve upon their work in the field. This book is helpful in both the applied and the academic contexts.
People new to community development, particularly those interested in alternative development paradigms will find much benefit here in the insightful and reflective review of considerations in community economies.
The book covers the nature of work and things to think about in terms of how wages are set and options that support more fairness in the use of surplus created by production. It delves into the business models, alternative ways to think about markets, finance and property. All of it is offered in a format to support dialogue of ethical considerations in community economies. It offers what the title says: ethical guidance, and that is very useful for participatory community dialogue.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Tommy C.
1.0 out of 5 stars what a jokeReviewed in the United States on September 5, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
liberal hippy garbage but was required for my class. the stuff inside is laughable at best.
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Suzanne Bergeron
5.0 out of 5 stars a guide for transforming the economy any time, any placeReviewed in the United States on August 4, 2013
Format: Paperback
This engaging, accessible book reframes the economy as a site of ethical action, not expert intervention. Not only does it provide a new way of thinking about the economy and our actions within it as a space of possibility, it also offers myriad inspiring examples of individuals and communities creating change. An essential book for those interested in creating ethical and sustainable futures.
4 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
See all reviews from the United States
Review
"Take Back the Economy is the single most farsighted and practical work enlightening us on the path to a steady transition toward a genuine postcapitalist world. It is based on the presupposition that reorienting the economy means much more than the control of production—it means reinventing ourselves, our communities, and our world in profound ways. Out of this act of ‘reframing’ there emerges a novel understanding of work, enterprise, market, property, even finance. In this wonderful new work in the tradition of Gibson-Graham, students, activists, movements, and communities will find a toolkit for ethical and effective action any time, any place."—Arturo Escobar, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
"Take Back the Economy is a valuable, engaged accessible and very clear addition to the Community Economics Collective oeuvre, and I hope it will be read widely and--more importantly--change the world."—Antipode
"Readable, practical, radical."—Sociology
"A most exquisitely conducted study into the not-for-profit or other side of organisations. It impressively shows that ‘another world’ is not only possible but already here."—Organization
"Beneficial for the use of individuals looking to alter their environmental or economic impact, students interested in administration or economics, or researchers and planners seeking alternatives for their communities."—Journal of Appalachian Studies
Read less
About the Author
J. K. Gibson-Graham is the pen name of Katherine Gibson and the late Julie Graham, feminist political economists and economic geographers based at the University of Western Sydney, Australia, and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Product details
Paperback: 264 pages
Publisher: Univ Of Minnesota Press; 1 edition (May 9, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0816676070
ISBN-13: 978-0816676071
Product Dimensions: 7 x 0.8 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Customer Reviews: 4.1 out of 5 stars 8 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #447,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
#757 in Economic Policy
#31 in Australian & Oceanian Politics
#761 in Economic Policy & Development (Books)
Would you like to tell us about a lower price?
If you are a seller for this product, would you like to suggest updates through seller support?
Related video shorts (0)Upload your video
Be the first videoYour name here
More about the authorsDiscover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
J. K. Gibson-Graham
Follow
Stephen Healy
Follow
Jenny Cameron
Follow
Ad feedback
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
10 customer ratings
5 star 67%
4 star 17%
3 star 0% (0%)
0%
2 star 0% (0%)
0%
1 star 16%
How does Amazon calculate star ratings?
Review this product
Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review
Ad feedback
Top Reviews
Paul P. O'Connor
5.0 out of 5 stars Giving this book now to family members and friends is a special occasionReviewed in the United States on September 27, 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
As we watch the middle class dwindle, its income stagnant, feeling helpless to help themselves and helpless to help the poor, along comes a book that gives us practical advice supported by empirical evidence of what we can do to change the lives of our families, our communities, our Nation and the Universe. The authors aren't just brilliant academics, they have the practical experience. Anybody can say there has to be a change or blog about what is wrong. The book tells us what we can do because we are not powerless subjects of recalcitrant governments and bureaucracies. This is one of the few books that I have sent to family members simply because of its merits and not waited for a special occasion. I suggest you not borrow a copy, buy it, because you will be marking it up in the margins, underlining, and highlighting text as you learn what you can do to "Take Back The Economy".
6 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
vincent lyon-callo
5.0 out of 5 stars Take back the economyReviewed in the United States on July 27, 2013
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
An informative and engaging work that offers both critical insights into contemporary conditions and concrete examples of what can (and is) being done to take back the economy and create more sustainable (ecologically, emotionally, and economically sustainable) communities. This work helps readers imagine how to escape the debilitating condition of seeing "capitalism" as everywhere and forevermore. Perhaps most impressively, three academics have produced a book that is enjoyable to read with graphics and examples to illustrate their arguments. A wonderful book overall.
4 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Steffanie Scott
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic, practical, inspiring resource.Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Fantastic, practical, inspiring resource. The associated website is also tremendously helpful as a resource for education and action.
Both are great antidotes to the prolific negative takes on so many global environmental, social, and economic trends.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Barbara
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on December 2, 2016
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
What a wonderful book, highly recommend it, in the hope of a better world for us all.
HelpfulComment Report abuse
MAG
4.0 out of 5 stars an excellent text. I would recommend a little more readings ...Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Although this book is wrote for a community-level approach (and use by community members) it is a little dense in sections that prevent some of the concepts from being appropriately understood. It is, however, an excellent text. I would recommend a little more readings in the background of the neoliberal economy before trying to tackle this book though.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Sam Grant
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book to get your community considering ethical considerations in community developmentReviewed in the United States on October 22, 2015
Format: Paperback
Book Review
Gibson-Graham, J.K., Jenny Cameron and Stephen Healy. 2013. Take Back the Economy: An Ethical Guide for Transforming our Communities. University of Minnesota Press; Minneapolis, MN. ISBN -978-0-8166-7606
I have been a community economic development professional and educator on this subject for more than 20 years. I am always on the lookout for books that make it simple for emerging practitioners and students to develop a quick sense of how to frame and re-frame, act, reflect and improve upon their work in the field. This book is helpful in both the applied and the academic contexts.
People new to community development, particularly those interested in alternative development paradigms will find much benefit here in the insightful and reflective review of considerations in community economies.
The book covers the nature of work and things to think about in terms of how wages are set and options that support more fairness in the use of surplus created by production. It delves into the business models, alternative ways to think about markets, finance and property. All of it is offered in a format to support dialogue of ethical considerations in community economies. It offers what the title says: ethical guidance, and that is very useful for participatory community dialogue.
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Tommy C.
1.0 out of 5 stars what a jokeReviewed in the United States on September 5, 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
liberal hippy garbage but was required for my class. the stuff inside is laughable at best.
HelpfulComment Report abuse
Suzanne Bergeron
5.0 out of 5 stars a guide for transforming the economy any time, any placeReviewed in the United States on August 4, 2013
Format: Paperback
This engaging, accessible book reframes the economy as a site of ethical action, not expert intervention. Not only does it provide a new way of thinking about the economy and our actions within it as a space of possibility, it also offers myriad inspiring examples of individuals and communities creating change. An essential book for those interested in creating ethical and sustainable futures.
4 people found this helpful
HelpfulComment Report abuse
See all reviews from the United States
