Capitalism has been linked to climate change, racism and slavery, wealth inequality, and the decline of democracy. At the same time, capitalism may have been instrumental in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, facilitating vast technological innovations, and improving standards of living across the globe. As climate change accelerates and the world is threatened with existential crises, we must ask: Is capitalism incompatible with sustainability? While this question is as complex and urgent as it is resistant to simple answers, the contributors to this volume make the case that a more sustainable capitalism is within our reach. Sustainable Capitalism takes on the challenge of sustainability from a uniquely interdisciplinary and diverse perspective, offering both theory and tools for action. Topics range from an analysis of the foundations and definition of capitalism to the specific regulatory mechanisms that may be necessary to rein in its current, unsustainable trajectory. Readers will find nuanced and important analyses of options and potential outcomes that are not available in any other work. This book is essential reading for anyone concerned about the path we are on and how we might improve the lives of people around the globe.
Inara Scott is the Gomo Family Professor and senior associate dean in the College of Business at Oregon State University. She is the editor in chief of the American Business Law Journal.
Introduction Part I: Foundations of Capitalism Chapter 1. Defining the Undefinable, Inara Scott Chapter 2. Essential Perspectives: Foundations of Capitalism, Dana Neacsu Chapter 3. Democracy and Capitalism, Robert Prentice Chapter 4. The Techno-Optimist Case for Addressing Sustainability and Its Grounding in Capitalist (Market) Incentives, Daniel R. Cahoy Part II: American Capitalism Chapter 5. Comparative Capitalism: Contrasting American and European Systems, Gerlinde Berger-Walliser Chapter 6. The American Model for Global Growth, David Bernell Chapter 7. Racism and Capitalism, Elizabeth J. Kennedy Part III: Capitalism and Corporations Chapter 8. Corporations: The Heart of American Capitalism, Ruth Jebe Chapter 9. Capitalism and Respecting Human Rights, David Hess Chapter 10. Whose Capital? Is Cooperative Ownership a More Sustainable Model for Capitalism? Mark J. Kaswan Chapter 11. The Structural Barriers to Eco-Capitalism, Ryan Katz-Rosene Part IV: Institutional Structures to Support Sustainable Capitalism Chapter 12. Sustainability and Labor, Liz Brown Chapter 13. From Neoliberal to Hybrid Corporate Social Responsibility, Rajat Panwar, Natalia Vidal, and Ellen Alexandra Holtmaat Chapter 14. Smart Regulation to Enhance Wealth Creation & Sustainable Capitalism, Victor B. Flatt and Inara Scott Chapter 15. Environmental Law: The Paradox of Property Rights for Environmental Protection, Christy Anderson Brekken Conclusion Bibliography Contributors Index
Sustainability is too important to be treated with simplistic analyses and infeasible recommendations. This volume engages with the difficult issues that arise at the intersection of capitalism and sustainability, and it will be valuable resource for experts and students alike." - Michael Vanderbergh, David Daniels Allen Distinguished Chair in Law, Vanderbilt University
