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 [0xc000076e70 0xc000077c20 0xc00014f920 0xc0003e0030 0xc000456d20 0xc0004f0570 0xc000071590 0xc0002c1230 0xc0002efda0 0xc0001a5740 0xc0006a0930 0xc0004cb230 0xc0007df9e0 0xc0007ef920 0xc0005bc5d0 0xc0005bd020 0xc0005bd7a0 0xc000460870 0xc000ce3f80 0xc000cf0150 0xc000cfe150 0xc000412cc0 0xc000512e70 0xc000570db0 0xc000593200 0xc0005c0150 0xc0005c1d10 0xc0005df1d0 0xc0005ede90 0xc000608510 0xc000f247b0 0xc0002a6210 0xc0010e0db0 0xc001103e00 0xc00054ced0 0xc000e11170 0xc00159f2c0 0xc00109d020 0xc0014e59b0 0xc0009b0060 0xc0024ad530 0xc0008b8a50 0xc000915530 0xc000968e40 0xc001315200 0xc001a7ae40 0xc001c08c90] 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