"What's The Economy For, Anyway? is a thought-provoking, funny, readable, anti-ideological book based on the cult hit film of the same name. Here, scholars John de Graaf (author of Affluenza) and David Batker tackle thirteen touchstone economic issues and challenge readers to consider just what the point of our economy is. Emphasizing powerful American ideals such as working together, pragmatism, and equality for all, de Graaf and Batker set forth a simple, powerful goal for any economic system: the greatest good for the greatest number, over the longest run. Their vision will appeal to a wide array of readers across traditional silos. Drawing from this nation's rich economic history, the book shows that the good life in America is achieved when people and markets work together with an active government to create a better economy, one that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. Beginning by taking our fetish for GDP and shattering it, the chapters touch on quality of life, health, security, time management, worklife, leisure, social justice, and perhaps most important, sustainability. This sparkling, message-driven book is exactly what we need: a guide to what really matters, and how we can use the resources of our economy to make the world a better place"--

"Social Breakthrough, from Dr. Paul Light of New York University, illustrates how to create the social breakthroughs needed to solve urgent global threats such as poverty, disease, and hunger. The book then turns to three alternative but complimentary paths to social breakthrough, (1) social protecting, (2) social exploring, and (3) social advocacy, and provides a detailed map of the journey from initial commitment to a world of justice and opportunity. The book includes: An examination of the current condition of the social impact infrastructure. Strategies for how to remedy the steady weakening of our social-impact infrastructure. Tactics to build strong social organizations and networks. Dynamic methods to respond to constant economic and social change."--