Ronald M. Glassman
This book explores Karl Polanyi’s concept of labor, land, and money as 'fictional commodities' created by the market. Capitalism transformed these elements, shifting labor from artisanal crafts to factory wage work, land from communal ownership to private property, and money from a medium of exchange to capital for profit.The book extends Polanyi’s vision to modern transformations, analyzing the impact of automation, Artificial Intelligence, and technological advancements on society. It examines the great changes in gender, sexuality, race, and religion, highlighting the ongoing evolution of social and cultural norms. Additionally, the book analyzes the complex relationship between free market capitalism and democracy, offering insights into the balance of power and the future of democratic governance in a rapidly changing world.This book critically analyzes the forces shaping contemporary society. It will appeal to students, scholars, and researchers in political science, economics, and the social sciences, interested in a better understanding of the great global transformation.
