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 [0xc000cd9710 0xc000cec4e0 0xc000d1c390 0xc000fb36b0 0xc000ff04e0 0xc001231680 0xc0012708d0 0xc0013df530 0xc001451a10 0xc0014cd770 0xc001d236e0 0xc0023fbcb0 0xc0001a4300 0xc0001b2330 0xc0001afcb0 0xc0001c4720 0xc0001c4ea0 0xc0002b8450 0xc000244990 0xc000244b40 0xc000260c60 0xc000383e90 0xc0003e0330 0xc000402480 0xc0004149f0 0xc000415980 0xc00042b740 0xc00043ed50 0xc000455aa0 0xc000480240 0xc0001caa80 0xc000368c30 0xc0000692c0 0xc000206c30 0xc00040a690 0xc000bedfb0 0xc0003051a0 0xc0012912f0 0xc001550cc0 0xc00131d650 0xc00112c450 0xc00158d200 0xc0015c1ec0 0xc00163bcb0 0xc002186c90 0xc0027282d0 0xc0027ca4b0] 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