Nature of Economies

Jacobs, Jane

Publisher: Vintage Canada, Toronto, Canada
Year First Published: {14333 Nature of Economies NATURE OF ECONOMIES Jacobs, Jane Vintage Canada Toronto Canada Jacobs argues that since human beings exist wholly within nature as part of natural order in every respect, we should look to the processes of nature for vibrant and flexible models of economic planning. 2000 2001 190pp $29.95 BC14333-NatureOfEconomies.jpg B Book 0-679-31096-7 HD75.6.J31 2001 330 In the aptly titled "The Nature of Economies," Jane Jacobs explains the parallels between laws of nature and laws of economics. Jacob's thesis and counter-arguments are presented in a discussion between five friends, each from a different academic background. They explore ideas surrounding the environment, social equality, sustainability, co-operation, economic collapse, fitness for survival and unpredictability. In an effort to facilitate sustainable development, workers have begun to create manufacturing processes that mimic nature, rather than control it. Jacobs argues that economists should emulate this technique and respect 'natural laws' that govern trade. Co-developments between sectors are important features of healthy economies and are more likely to emerge when economists adhere to these guidelines. Jacobs proposes that examining how developments coexist sheds light on why some economies thrive and others falter. The idea of import substitution is particularly central; this occurs when cities create local replacements for products that were previously imported. If the settlement contains no natural co-developments for these new systems, an individual business will not mesh with its surroundings and will likely fail. This book also examines the ways in which inequality and oppression weaken economies. Workers are likely to have great insights about how their work can be improved, but are often separated from the decision-making process. The author argues for equality based on both social and economic grounds. Fitness for survival is based upon having both the capacity to compete and breed and having a habitat in which to do so. In the past, efforts to predict the future have involved shaping it via expensive technology or solutions that rarely address the core issues. In contrast, Jacobs suggests that we simply 'make ourselves up as we go along' and surrender the idea that it is possible to accurately predict human nature. This book is humourous and accessible to anyone with an interest in economics, ecology and social equality. [abstract by Heather Skelton] Table of Contents Foreword Damn, Another Ecologist The Nature of Development The Nature of Expansion The Nature of Self-Refuelling Evading Collapse The Double Nature of Fitness for Survival Unpredictability Armbruster's Promise Epilogue Notes Acknowledgements Index CX7285 1 false true false CX7285.htm [0xc000d0e480 0xc000d0f230 0xc000d3eff0 0xc001709c80 0xc0017469c0 0xc001a34c30 0xc001a5fcb0 0xc001b323c0 0xc001ba2750 0xc001c201e0 0xc001d5f9b0 0xc0020802d0 0xc0001b3170 0xc0001c1110 0xc0001f3800 0xc000206270 0xc0002069f0 0xc0002e7b60 0xc0001e99e0 0xc0001e9b90 0xc0001fdc20 0xc0002e4900 0xc000384b40 0xc0003aab40 0xc0003bcf90 0xc0003bdec0 0xc0003cfad0 0xc0003e0f90 0xc0003f1c50 0xc00041e2d0 0xc000164bd0 0xc000328960 0xc000994a80 0xc000121d40 0xc00036b0e0 0xc0008d9830 0xc00148e240 0xc000abaea0 0xc0015b7f80 0xc00096f080 0xc00060d020 0xc000d14f00 0xc000e21ad0 0xc000f8d530 0xc0018c85a0 0xc002084c90 0xc0021d2b70] Cx}
Year Published: 2001
Pages: 190pp Price: $29.95 ISBN: 0-679-31096-7
Library of Congress Number: HD75.6.J31 2001 Dewey: 330
Resource Type: Book
Cx Number: CX7285

Jacobs argues that since human beings exist wholly within nature as part of natural order in every respect, we should look to the processes of nature for vibrant and flexible models of economic planning.

Abstract:
In the aptly titled "The Nature of Economies," Jane Jacobs explains the parallels between laws of nature and laws of economics. Jacob's thesis and counter-arguments are presented in a discussion between five friends, each from a different academic background. They explore ideas surrounding the environment, social equality, sustainability, co-operation, economic collapse, fitness for survival and unpredictability.

In an effort to facilitate sustainable development, workers have begun to create manufacturing processes that mimic nature, rather than control it. Jacobs argues that economists should emulate this technique and respect 'natural laws' that govern trade. Co-developments between sectors are important features of healthy economies and are more likely to emerge when economists adhere to these guidelines.

Jacobs proposes that examining how developments coexist sheds light on why some economies thrive and others falter. The idea of import substitution is particularly central; this occurs when cities create local replacements for products that were previously imported. If the settlement contains no natural co-developments for these new systems, an individual business will not mesh with its surroundings and will likely fail.

This book also examines the ways in which inequality and oppression weaken economies. Workers are likely to have great insights about how their work can be improved, but are often separated from the decision-making process. The author argues for equality based on both social and economic grounds.

Fitness for survival is based upon having both the capacity to compete and breed and having a habitat in which to do so. In the past, efforts to predict the future have involved shaping it via expensive technology or solutions that rarely address the core issues. In contrast, Jacobs suggests that we simply 'make ourselves up as we go along' and surrender the idea that it is possible to accurately predict human nature.

This book is humourous and accessible to anyone with an interest in economics, ecology and social equality.

[abstract by Heather Skelton]

Table of Contents

Foreword

Damn, Another Ecologist
The Nature of Development
The Nature of Expansion
The Nature of Self-Refuelling
Evading Collapse
The Double Nature of Fitness for Survival
Unpredictability
Armbruster's Promise

Epilogue
Notes
Acknowledgements
Index

Nature of Economies

Subject Headings