Karl Polanyi
Karl Polanyi was a Hungarian economic historian, economic anthropologist, economic sociologist, political economist, historical sociologist and social philosopher. He is known for his opposition to traditional economic thought and for his book, 'The Great Transformation', which argued that the construction of a market-based society in Europe was not a natural process but a set of deliberate policies pursued by the state. Polanyi's work emphasized the social and political underpinnings of economic systems and has had a lasting impact on economic anthropology and sociology.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
-
1. The Great Transformation
The book in question is a seminal work in economic and social history that examines the development and impact of the modern market economy on global societies. It argues that the rise of market capitalism in the 19th century fundamentally transformed social structures and human relationships, with the commodification of land, labor, and money turning them into tradable goods. This transformation led to social dislocation and crises, prompting a counter-movement for social protection and the rise of the welfare state. The author challenges the idea that the market economy is a natural and inevitable form of social organization, instead presenting it as a constructed system with profound effects on the fabric of society.
The 1397th Greatest Book of All Time
