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harriets_reading's review
3.0
I approached this book as an economist interested to see what a non-economist had to say. I admit to being a bit sceptical, being used to seeing mainstream media talk about economics from a fairly uninformed viewpoint, but I was quickly persuaded that the author knew what she was talking about. The first three chapters are on the whole very strong, and they raise some very important points about how modern mainstream economics is discussed and taught within the academic discipline.
However I found that in the final part of the book, with chapters on specific markets, I felt that arguments were not always properly supported and most points were the same those a mainstream economist would raise, just in slightly different language.
The author talks about two specific forms of labour markets in these later chapters, while discussing labour markets more generally in the first few chapters. I would have liked to see a deeper analysis of labour markets, since I think they play a significant role in shaping market societies.
On the whole this book covers really important issues and definitely brings something new to the table, but I was left looking for more depth and better supported arguments.
However I found that in the final part of the book, with chapters on specific markets, I felt that arguments were not always properly supported and most points were the same those a mainstream economist would raise, just in slightly different language.
The author talks about two specific forms of labour markets in these later chapters, while discussing labour markets more generally in the first few chapters. I would have liked to see a deeper analysis of labour markets, since I think they play a significant role in shaping market societies.
On the whole this book covers really important issues and definitely brings something new to the table, but I was left looking for more depth and better supported arguments.
bobf2d33's review
5.0
I picked this book off the clearance table of the book store and was surprised how well written it was. It is a serious philosophy book but was clearly written without getting bogged down in technical jargon. The author respectfully presented the range of positions on free markets and argued for her point of view without demonizing opposing view points. While generally in favor of free markets for many products, she has brought philosophical rigor to the common-sense notion that the market in some products should not be allowed or need regulation. After searching, I was disappointed that the author has not written any other books for me to read.
lilsuccubus's review
3.0
Extremely dry, with way too much "I." Pretty disappointed that the section on prostitution made no mention of the fact that financial coercion means all "sex work" is coerced consent, i.e. sexual assault.
christhedoll's review
5.0
Challenges the one-dimensional view of markets to address markets as institutions that raise political and moral question as much as economic ones. The parameters of a noxious market include; weak agency, vulnerability, extreme individual harm, and extreme social harm.
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