NEW EDITION FROM VERSO
THE NEW SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM
by Luc Boltanski and Eve Chiapello
Translated by Gregory Elliott
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New edition of this major work examining the development of neoliberalism
In this established classic, sociologists Luc Boltanski and Eve Chiapello get to the heart of contemporary capitalism. Delving deep into the latest management texts informing the thinking of employers, the authors trace the contours of a new spirit of capitalism. They argue that beginning in the mid-1970s, capitalism abandoned the hierarchical Fordist work structure and developed a new network-based form of organization founded on employee initiative and autonomy in the workplace—a putative freedom bought at the cost of material and psychological security. This was a spirit in tune with the libertarian and romantic currents of the period (as epitomized by dressed-down, cool capitalists such as Bill Gates and Ben and Jerry) and, as the authors argue, a more successful, pernicious, and subtle form of exploitation.
In this new edition, the authors reflect on the reception of the book and the debates it has stimulated.
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Reviews
“A wide-ranging, nuanced sociological inquiry into the nature of contemporary work.”
– Choice
“A vast and ambitious work, which is inscribed in a great tradition of theoretical and critical sociology.”
– Le Monde
“This massive book is an astonishing combination—an ideological and cultural analysis, a socio-historical narrative, an essay in political economy, and a bold piece of engaged advocacy … a dizzying theoretical tour.”
– New Left Review
“A wonderful book.”
– William Davies, author of The Happiness Industry
“This book will no doubt come to be regarded as a contemporary classic of political economy and political sociology.”
– Political Studies Review
“A major contribution to the literature in the field and to scholars beyond French borders.”
– Times Higher Education
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Paperback : December 2017 / 9781786633255 / £20.00 / $29.95 / $39.99 (CAN)
THE NEW SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM is available to buy on the Verso website at 30% off
https://www.versobooks.com/books/2513-the-new-spirit-of-capitalism
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