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 [0xc000d235f0 0xc000d363c0 0xc000d62270 0xc0010074d0 0xc0010462d0 0xc001297440 0xc0012d6690 0xc001449290 0xc0014b5770 0xc001535410 0xc00168d260 0xc00240d260 0xc0001c3ef0 0xc0001d9f20 0xc0001d5170 0xc0001d5bc0 0xc0001ec360 0xc0003878f0 0xc0002a1c20 0xc0002a1dd0 0xc0002b9ef0 0xc000375110 0xc0003c3590 0xc0003e96e0 0xc0003ffc50 0xc000412c00 0xc00042c9c0 0xc00042dfb0 0xc00044ed20 0xc0004694a0 0xc0001db4d0 0xc00036f680 0xc00027e1e0 0xc00033db30 0xc00056b560 0xc000c02ea0 0xc000269620 0xc000f6f1a0 0xc0014beb40 0xc000ed4c90 0xc000da1560 0xc00131e1e0 0xc001368ea0 0xc001456c90 0xc002071aa0 0xc002601050 0xc00269f230] 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