Books by Ben Fine

Understanding consumption requires looking at the systems by which goods and services are provided ¿ not just how they are produced but the historically evolved structures, power relations and cultures within which they are located. The Systems of Provision approach provides an interdisciplinary framework for unpacking these complex issues.This book provides a comprehensive account of the Systems of Provision approach, setting out core concepts and theoretical origins alongside numerous case studies. The book combines fresh understandings of everyday consumption using examples from food, housing, and water, with implications for society¿s major challenges, including inequality, climate change, and prospects for capitalism.Readers do not require prior knowledge across the subject matter covered but the text remains significant for accomplished researchers and policymakers, especially those interested in the messy real world realities underpinning who gets what, how, and why across public and private provision in global, national, and historical contexts.

A work which presents the results and implications of detailed and wide-ranging research on both the post-war history and the current dynamics of the South African economy. A range of strategic economic trajectories are linked to the shifting balance of economic and political power.

This brilliantly concise book is a classic introduction to Marx's key work, Capital. In print now for over a quarter of a century, and previously translated into many languages, the new edition has been fully revised and updated, making it an ideal modern introduction to one of the most important texts in political economy. The authors cover all central aspects of Marx's economics. They explain the structure of Marx's analysis and the meaning of the key categories in Capital, showing the internal coherence of Marx's approach. Marx's method and terminology are explored in detail, with supporting examples. Short chapters enable the meaning and significance of Marx's main concepts to be grasped rapidly, making it a practical text for all students of social science. Discussing Capital's relevance today, the authors consider Marx's impact on economics, philosophy, history, politics and other social sciences. Keeping abstract theorising to a minimum, this readable introduction highlights the continuing relevance of Marx's ideas in the light of the problems of contemporary capitalism.

Macroeconomics is your guide to how economics shape how the world functions today. But too often our understanding is based on orthodox, dogmatic analysis. This distinctive book draws upon years of critical questioning and teaching and exposes how macroeconomic theory has evolved from its origins to its current impoverished and extreme state. *BR**BR*Moving from the Keynesian Revolution to the Monetarist Counter-Revolution, through to New Classical Economics and New Consensus Macroeconomics, the authors both elaborate and question the methods and content of macroeconomic theory at a level appropriate for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. *BR**BR*Macroeconomics provides a unique alternative to the multitude of standard textbooks by locating macroeconomic theory in its own history. It will be perfect for those studying macroeconomics, as well as for those looking for a new way to understand our increasingly complicated economic system.*BR**BR*It is accompanied by a counterpart Microeconomics: A Critical Companion.

Provides a perspective on the economics of labour markets by demonstrating how radical political economy has been incorporated into mainstream economics. The book aims to present a new approach to this area of economic theory.

This book presents a critical exposition of food systems theory and analyses the existing approaches to food consumption. Subjects discussed include the impact of the EU, lack of policy in the UK and resolving the diet paradox.

Is or has economics ever been the imperial social science? Could or should it ever be so? This book deals with these questions. It addresses the shifting boundaries between economics and other social sciences as seen from the confines of the dismal science, with some reflection on the responses to the economic imperialists by other disciplines.

Since it first appeared in 1975, Ben Fine's introductory account of Capital has become the most popular text of its kind, used widely across the social sciences and also read by a wider audience.

Through sound empirical analysis and a range of case studies, the authors argue that an interdisciplinary approach to food consumption is now necessary, taking into account socioeconomic and cultural factors.

Traces the origins of social capital through the work of Becker, Bourdiey and Coleman and reviews the literature across the social sciences. This book is topical and uniquely critical of social capital.