Introduction -- The theory of competitive markets -- Lack of competition in U.S. markets -- The effects of mega-mergers -- Corporate stakeholders -- Outsourcing in the U.S. and Europe -- Legitimization of greed -- Heartbreak to workers -- Belief systems and confirmation bias -- Recommendations -- Postscript.
Summary:
"This book tackles the plight of workers who lose their jobs from mergers and outsourcing by examining two economic "principles' or narratives that have shaped the perception of the economic system in the U.S. today: (1) the notion that the U.S. economy is competitive, making government market regulation unnecessary, and (2) the claim that corporations exist for the benefit of their shareholders, but not for other stakeholders. Contrary to popular belief, this book demonstrates that many markets are not competitive, but rather are oligopolistic. This conclusion undercuts the common refrain that government market regulation is unnecessary because competition already provides sufficient constraints on business. Part of the lack of competition has resulted from the large mergers over the past few years, many of which have resulted in massive lay-offs. The second narrative has justified the outsourcing of millions of jobs of U.S. workers this century, made possible by globalization. The book argues that this narrative is not an economic principle but rather a normative position. In effect, both narratives are myths, although they are accepted as truisms by many people. The book ties together a concern for the problems of using economic principles as a justification for the lack of government intervention with the harm that has been caused to workers. The book's recommendations for a new regulatory regime is a prescription for helping labor by limiting job losses from mergers and outsourcing"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.