Robert Reich Looks Askance at 'Supercapitalism'
Robert Reich argues that while "supercapitalism" is enlarging the economic pie, its influence is making democracy less effective. J. Emilio Flores/Getty Images hide caption
Robert Reich argues that while "supercapitalism" is enlarging the economic pie, its influence is making democracy less effective.
J. Emilio Flores/Getty ImagesWe love low prices, sure, but we frown at the things companies do to get us good deals — like paying low wages. In his book Supercapitalism, economist Robert Reich looks at the divided mind of the consumer and citizen.
Reich subtitles his book "The Transformation of Business, Democracy, and Everyday Life," and in it he asks tough questions about American priorities: "Why has capitalism become so triumphant and democracy so enfeebled? Are these two trends connected? What, if anything, can be done to strengthen democracy?"
Reich was secretary of labor in the Clinton administration and now teaches public policy at the University of California at Berkeley. He delivers weekly commentaries on public radio's Marketplace, and he blogs at RobertReich.blogspot.com.
