Just Around The Corner: The Paradox Of The Jobless Recovery [Paperback]

Stanley Aronowitz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 14, 2005 | ISBN-10: 1592131387 | ISBN-13: 978-1592131389 | Edition: 1

Americans have always believed that economic growth leads to job growth. In this groundbreaking book, Stanley Aronowitz argues that this is no longer true. "Just Around the Corner" looks at the state of the American economy as planned by democrats and republicans over the last thirty years. In this book, Aronowitz finds that economic growth has become "delinked" from job creation, and that unemployment and underemployment are a permanent condition of our economy. He traces the historical roots of this state of affairs, and sees under the surface of booms and busts a continuum of econcomic austerity that creates a boom for the rich at the expense of most Americans. He then examines the cultural and political processes by which we have come to describe and accept economics in the US. And lastly, he proposes a concrete plan of action that would guarantee employment and living wages for all Americans. In both measured analysis and persuasive reasoning, Stanley Aronowitz's 'Just Around the Corner" is an indispensable guide to our current economic predicament and a bold challenge to economists and policymakers.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Aronowitz writes well and makes a persuasive case that will no doubt be challenged by mainstream neo-liberal economists. But it will be difficult to undermine the solid empirical data he has amassed to show that the problem of economic growth without sustainable and remunerative employment presents a huge challenge for the future." The Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare "Aronowitz's book promises to be [yet another!] of his incisive and timely political interventions - a clarion call both to the American labor movement (and American workers who wait for it to act on their behalf) and left activists." Daniel Walkowitz "Like such works as Robert Pollin's Contours of Descent, it is a telling indictment of the neoliberal consensus. And like Bennett and Harrison's Growing Prosperity, it makes a convincing case for public job creation and public infrastructure. But its historical explication of how we arrived at this juncture, its discussion of just what a job is, and its analysis of the role that unions and the left have played or failed to play make it a distinctive contribution to current policy debates." John Buell

From the Publisher

A searing indictment of the American way of recession and recovery --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press; 1 edition (March 14, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592131387
• ISBN-13: 978-1592131389
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,459,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TECHNOLOGY IS DESTROYING JOBS, BUT HOPE FOR TOMORROW!, May 10, 2005

By 

Gerry Stern "Stern's Management Review Online" (Culver City, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Just Around The Corner: The Paradox Of The Jobless Recovery (Paperback)

This book presents the author's assessment of how today's economy, while generating wealth and capable of recovery from recession, is not generating a commensurate expansion in job opportunities. Advances in technology account for this situation, according to Aronomwitz. His analysis and insights boldly and brilliantly challenge the conventional wisdom that technology advancements produce more jobs than they destroy. He also explores the "price of neoliberal globalization, the Reagan revolution, the Clinton 'Boom,' and the downsizing of America." Aronowitz also concludes that an agenda is needed to create the conditions that would "restore our sense of economic well-being and to reverse the incredible power of large corporations..." that, united with political power, is driving down living standards and bringing about an acceptance of authoritarian forms of economic and political rule.

But the author is not technophobic or pessimistic. He is optimistic. He believes what is needed is a reality-based perspective on our economy; one that employs a "tight safety net," creates labor-intensive jobs that expand the "public good," promotes alternative energy resources, and most importantly, revises our paradigm of "full employment" and the "full-time job." He also sees broader, global implications for this big-picture agenda.

The book offers a compelling, concise case for seeing the U.S. economy (and, contextually, the nation as-a-whole) in a new light, based on solid evidence. This is well-reasoned and robust challenge to 'business-as-usual' economic thinking! It casts a bright light on what may be the 800 pound economic and political guerilla of the 21st century.

If a good nonfiction book is one that informs, stimulates thinking, challenges comfortable mindsets, and sparks the imagination, this one passes the test with flying colors.