Books in the The Economy Key Ideas series

Alex de Ruyter and Martyn Brown explain the key facets of the gig economy and explore the dangers and potential it affords. Drawing on recent case-studies from the UK, Europe and the USA, it offers an authoritative guide through the theories and issues that surround the gig economy and the ramifications of an increasingly insecure workforce.

An introduction to the topic of behavioural economics for a beginning readership. It explains its approach and methodology and assesses its successes and weaknesses.

This short primer traces the origins of the concept of the living wage and seeks to explain its current rise in fortune as an economic instrument with a social objective. It examines its impact on labour markets and wage levels, explores how it has been applied, and assesses whether it is an effective measure for raising living standards.

This introduction to the topic of "degrowth", an increasingly influential idea within ecological economics, assesses what it would take for an economy to transition to a position that enabled it to prosper without growth.

An introductory guide to the contribution to and role of the creative industries and their products and services in the overall economy.

A clear and rigorous guide to the principles and mechanisms of austerity economics, which offers a balanced point of reference for anyone keen to understand the economic thinking behind key policy decisions in the wake of the financial crisis.

An authoritative introduction to one of the most perplexing issues of economic growth: the notion that developing countries rich in natural resources perform less well economically than countries with fewer natural resources.

An authoritative introduction to economic activity and income outside of government regulation, taxation and observation. The books examines its importance and characteristics in developed, developing and transitional economies, and its role as a driver of economic growth.

The notion of marginalism, central to modern economic theory, emerged in the 1870s and underpinned the change from classical economics to modern (micro)economics. This book explores the concept's development and role in modern economics and shows why the marginalist approach is much more than a set of mathematical rules.

A detailed examination of the much used and little understood concept of productivity -- how it is used, and why it is held by economists to be so important in evaluating the health of modern economies.

Employs a range of case studies to examine the success and failure of financial inclusion policy implementations and considers the social impact and efficacy of such economic intervention.

This accessible and authoritative overview of the subdiscipline of economic anthropology defines and frames the field for a new generation of students in search of an inspiring and fresh way of looking at the economic world.