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 [0xc000cd7e30 0xc000ceac00 0xc000d1ab10 0xc00108a540 0xc0010b53b0 0xc0013bd5c0 0xc0013fc810 0xc0014b9740 0xc001529d10 0xc001ca7d40 0xc001dfde90 0xc002489b60 0xc0001cc600 0xc0001dc690 0xc000262420 0xc000262e70 0xc0002635f0 0xc0003e2d20 0xc000295c50 0xc000295e00 0xc0002adf20 0xc0003d5530 0xc000421ad0 0xc000445c20 0xc00046e1e0 0xc00046f170 0xc000484fc0 0xc00049a5d0 0xc0004b9320 0xc0004d1ad0 0xc0002c8ab0 0xc00046b020 0xc0003cfbf0 0xc00049d8c0 0xc00070bc20 0xc000d09350 0xc000582cc0 0xc001374a80 0xc001a4ebd0 0xc0010fedb0 0xc0010ecbd0 0xc0015b3d40 0xc0015f6ab0 0xc001672960 0xc0022726f0 0xc002740990 0xc0027e2c00] 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