Foundational Economy: The Infrastructure of Everyday Life, New Edition - Paperback

by The Foundational Economy Collective (Author)

This book shows how the foundational economy - public services, infrastructure, education and health care - was built up between 1880 and 1980 so that they were collectively paid for, collectively delivered and collectively consumed. This system of provision has been undermined in the age of privatisation and outsourcing.

Back Jacket

'The Foundational Economy provides a springboard for the new deal working people need.'
Frances O'Grady, General Secretary, Trades Union Congress

'An interesting and important contribution to the economic debates going on today.'
John McDonnell, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer (2015-20)

'This inspirational reformulation of the Foundational Economy explains why we need to stop wrecking our public services in Europe and start refashioning their future in the twenty-first century.'
Henrietta L. Moore, Director of the UCL Institute for Global Prosperity

'This fascinating book can be seen as a contribution to the debate about measuring, understanding and, ultimately, reshaping economic systems. More than that, it is a critique of existing custom and practice when measuring, understanding and shaping the economy.'
Andy Haldane, former Chief Economist, Bank of England

The foundational economy is everywhere: from clean water to care homes, schools to hospitals, these vital services were established between 1880 and 1980 to be collectively paid for, collectively delivered and collectively consumed. This essential framework has transformed the lives of billions, but in the last generation it has come under considerable attack. Privatisation, market choice and outsourcing have depleted the material infrastructure at the core of everyday life, and the foundational economy is in desperate need of renewal.

This book sets out the principles and initiatives to end the degradation of the foundational economy and restore its essential place in society. In the face of our growing needs, the authors argue, politics must refocus on foundational consumption and universal minimum access and quality.

Author Biography

The Foundational Economy collective: Davide Arcidiacono, Filippo Barbera, Andrew Bowman, John Buchanan, Sandro Busso, Joselle Dagnes, Joe Earle, Ewald Engelen, Peter Folkman, Julie Froud, Colin Haslam, Sukhdev Johal, Ian Jones, Dario Minervini, Mick Moran, Fabio Mostaccio, Gabriella Pauli, Leonhard Plank, Angelo Salento, Ferdinando Spina, Nick Tsitsianis, Karel Williams.