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Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy

Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy

An Agenda for Growth and Shared Prosperity
by Joseph E. Stiglitz 2015 246 pages
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Key Takeaways

1. The American economy no longer works for most Americans

We pride ourselves on being the land of opportunity and creating the first middle-class society, yet profound and largely overlooked changes have put the middle-class life increasingly out of reach for the majority of Americans.

Stagnant wages, rising inequality. Over the past few decades, most Americans have seen their wages stagnate while the very wealthy have captured an increasing share of economic gains. Productivity has risen steadily, but worker compensation has not kept pace. This divergence between productivity and pay is unprecedented in the post-WWII era.

Eroding economic security. The pillars of middle-class life - affordable education, healthcare, housing, and a secure retirement - have become increasingly out of reach for many families. Job insecurity has increased, with more workers in part-time or contract positions without benefits. The social safety net has been weakened, leaving more people vulnerable to economic shocks.

Declining economic mobility. The American Dream of upward mobility is increasingly out of reach. Children born to low-income parents are more likely to remain poor as adults compared to previous generations. The U.S. now has lower rates of intergenerational mobility than many other developed countries.

2. Financial sector growth has fueled inequality and instability

The finance industry has shifted away from its essential function of allocating capital to productive uses and has moved toward predatory rent-seeking activities.

Outsized growth of finance. The financial sector has grown dramatically as a share of GDP, from about 3% in the 1950s to over 7% today. Yet this growth has not translated into better economic outcomes for most Americans. Instead, it has primarily benefited those at the top of the income distribution.

Predatory practices. Deregulation enabled the rise of complex financial products that were often exploitative rather than productive. Practices like predatory lending and excessive fees have extracted wealth from ordinary households. The 2008 financial crisis demonstrated the systemic risks created by an oversized, under-regulated financial sector.

Misallocation of talent. The outsized rewards in finance have drawn talented individuals away from potentially more productive sectors of the economy. This "brain drain" effect further reduces economic dynamism and innovation in other industries.

3. Corporate focus on shareholder value hurts long-term growth

The shareholder revolution transformed corporations into sources of cash for financiers.

Short-term thinking. The emphasis on maximizing short-term stock prices has led many corporations to prioritize cost-cutting, stock buybacks, and dividend payments over long-term investments in workers, research and development, and capital equipment. This short-termism undermines sustainable growth and innovation.

Executive compensation distortions. Tying executive pay to stock performance through stock options and other equity-based compensation has created perverse incentives. CEOs are incentivized to boost short-term stock prices rather than focus on long-term value creation. This has contributed to soaring executive pay and widening income inequality.

Financialization of the economy. The pressure to deliver short-term returns to shareholders has led many non-financial corporations to engage in financial engineering and speculation rather than focus on their core productive activities. This further shifts economic activity toward the financial sector at the expense of the real economy.

4. Tax policies favor the wealthy and encourage rent-seeking

There is no evidence that a lower tax rate for the wealthy has encouraged investment or growth.

Regressive tax structure. Changes to the tax code over recent decades have disproportionately benefited high-income earners and large corporations. The top marginal income tax rate has fallen from over 90% in the 1950s to under 40% today. Capital gains and dividends are taxed at lower rates than ordinary income, primarily benefiting the wealthy.

Incentives for rent-seeking. Lower top tax rates increase the returns to rent-seeking activities like lobbying for special tax breaks or regulatory favors. This diverts resources away from productive investment and innovation. The tax code also privileges certain forms of income, like carried interest for private equity managers, encouraging the expansion of those sectors.

Inadequate public investment. Lower tax revenues, especially from high-income individuals and corporations, have constrained the government's ability to make critical public investments in areas like infrastructure, education, and basic research. These investments are crucial for long-term economic growth and shared prosperity.

5. Monetary policy prioritizes inflation over full employment

The Federal Reserve's focus on controlling inflation rather than achieving full employment and managing systemic financial risk has raised unemployment and lowered wages over the past 35 years.

Unbalanced mandate. While the Federal Reserve has a dual mandate to promote maximum employment and price stability, in practice it has often prioritized low inflation over full employment. This bias has led to premature interest rate hikes that have stifled wage growth and job creation.

Disproportionate impact. The costs of high unemployment fall most heavily on low-wage workers, minorities, and those with less education. These groups are often the last to benefit from economic expansions and the first to suffer in downturns. Prioritizing low inflation over full employment exacerbates economic inequality.

Neglect of financial stability. The Fed's focus on inflation targeting led it to overlook the buildup of systemic risks in the financial system prior to the 2008 crisis. A broader approach to monetary policy that considers financial stability and full employment is needed to promote sustainable, inclusive growth.

6. Weakened worker power contributes to wage stagnation

Changes in labor market institutions, laws, regulations, and norms have weakened worker power and made it difficult for workers to countervail the excesses of corporate and market power.

Decline of unions. Union membership has fallen from over 30% of workers in the 1950s to just over 10% today. This decline has reduced workers' bargaining power and ability to secure wage increases and better working conditions. It has also weakened a key political voice for pro-worker policies.

Erosion of labor standards. The real value of the minimum wage has fallen significantly since its peak in the late 1960s. Overtime protections have been weakened, and many workers are misclassified as independent contractors, denying them basic labor protections. Enforcement of existing labor laws has also been inadequate.

Fissured workplace. The rise of outsourcing, franchising, and other forms of workplace fissuring has made it harder for workers to organize and bargain effectively. This has shifted more of the risks and costs onto workers while concentrating the gains at the top of corporate structures.

7. Discriminatory policies perpetuate economic inequality

Structural discrimination creates large wealth gaps between whites and other population groups—inequalities that transmit down through generations from parents to children.

Racial wealth gap. Historical policies like redlining and exclusion from homeownership programs created a large racial wealth gap that persists today. The median white household has 13 times the wealth of the median Black household and 10 times that of the median Latino household.

Educational disparities. Residential segregation and unequal school funding contribute to significant gaps in educational outcomes by race and class. These disparities in human capital development perpetuate economic inequalities across generations.

Labor market discrimination. Studies consistently find evidence of hiring discrimination against racial minorities and women. This compounds other forms of disadvantage and contributes to persistent wage and employment gaps.

8. Rewriting economic rules can foster shared prosperity

Inequality has been a choice, and it is within our power to reverse it.

Rules shape markets. Markets do not exist in a vacuum but are shaped by laws, regulations, and institutions. Changing these rules can lead to more equitable and efficient economic outcomes. This requires moving beyond the false dichotomy between "free markets" and government intervention.

Comprehensive approach needed. Addressing inequality and promoting shared prosperity requires a multifaceted approach. This includes reforming financial regulation, corporate governance, tax policy, labor laws, and macroeconomic policy. Piecemeal solutions are insufficient given the scale of the challenge.

Positive-sum solutions. Many policies that reduce inequality can also promote overall economic growth and dynamism. For example, investments in education and infrastructure can both reduce inequality and increase productivity. Rewriting the rules is not just about redistribution, but about creating a more efficient and innovative economy.

9. Empowering workers and investing in people drives growth

To compete globally in the 21st century, the U.S. economy needs to have every cylinder firing.

Labor market reforms. Strengthening workers' bargaining power through easier unionization, higher minimum wages, and stronger labor protections can help ensure that productivity gains are shared more broadly. This can boost consumer demand and economic growth.

Human capital investments. Expanding access to high-quality education from early childhood through college and beyond is crucial for both individual opportunity and overall economic competitiveness. Workforce training programs can help workers adapt to technological change and economic shifts.

Infrastructure and innovation. Large-scale public investments in physical and digital infrastructure, clean energy, and basic research can create jobs in the short term while laying the foundation for long-term productivity growth. These investments are critical for maintaining U.S. economic leadership.

10. Expanding economic security creates opportunity for all

To right the economic imbalance, to reduce inequality and promote healthy growth in the real economy, we must attack the sources of those rents.

Universal social protections. Expanding access to healthcare, paid family leave, and retirement security can reduce economic insecurity and enable more people to take entrepreneurial risks. This can boost both economic dynamism and quality of life.

Financial inclusion. Ensuring access to basic financial services and protection from predatory practices can help more families build wealth and economic stability. This includes reforms to student lending, mortgage markets, and retirement savings systems.

Progressive taxation. A more progressive tax system can both reduce inequality directly and generate revenue for critical public investments. This includes closing loopholes that primarily benefit the wealthy and using the tax code to discourage short-term speculation and rent-seeking.

Last updated:

FAQ

What is "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" by Joseph E. Stiglitz about?

  • Core Focus: The book examines how deliberate changes in economic rules and policies since the 1970s have led to increased inequality and slower economic growth in the United States.
  • Main Argument: Stiglitz argues that inequality is not inevitable but is the result of specific policy choices, and that these rules can be rewritten to create a fairer, more prosperous society.
  • Comprehensive Agenda: The book lays out a detailed agenda for reforming the rules governing markets, finance, taxation, labor, and social policy to promote shared prosperity.
  • People-Centered Economics: While rooted in economics, the book emphasizes the real-life impacts on American families, workers, and communities.

Why should I read "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" by Joseph E. Stiglitz?

  • Understand Inequality's Roots: The book provides a clear explanation of how policy decisions—not just abstract economic forces—have driven inequality and economic insecurity.
  • Actionable Solutions: Stiglitz offers a comprehensive set of policy recommendations for reversing inequality and promoting sustainable growth.
  • Debunks Economic Myths: The book challenges widely held beliefs about trickle-down economics, market self-regulation, and the inevitability of inequality.
  • Relevant to Current Debates: It equips readers with knowledge to engage in contemporary discussions about economic reform, social justice, and political change.

What are the key takeaways from "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy"?

  • Inequality is a Choice: The current levels of inequality in the U.S. are the result of deliberate policy decisions, not unavoidable economic laws.
  • Rules Shape Outcomes: Legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks determine how markets function and who benefits from economic growth.
  • Growth and Equality are Linked: Contrary to old economic models, reducing inequality can actually enhance economic performance and stability.
  • Comprehensive Reform Needed: Piecemeal solutions are insufficient; broad, systemic changes to the rules governing the economy are necessary for shared prosperity.

How does Joseph E. Stiglitz define "rewriting the rules" in the context of the American economy?

  • Changing Policy Frameworks: "Rewriting the rules" means fundamentally altering the laws, regulations, and norms that structure economic activity, from labor markets to corporate governance.
  • Restoring Balance: The goal is to rebalance power among corporations, workers, and government to ensure fairer distribution of income and opportunity.
  • Addressing Market Failures: It involves correcting distortions caused by market power, financialization, and rent-seeking that have led to inefficiency and inequality.
  • Promoting Long-Term Growth: The new rules should incentivize productive investment, innovation, and broad-based economic security.

What are the main problems with the current rules of the American economy according to Stiglitz?

  • Market Power and Monopolies: Increased concentration in key sectors has reduced competition, raised prices, and stifled innovation.
  • Financial Sector Dominance: The financial industry has shifted from serving the real economy to engaging in predatory, rent-seeking behavior.
  • Short-Termism in Corporations: Corporate governance now prioritizes short-term shareholder gains and CEO pay over long-term investment and worker well-being.
  • Weakened Labor Protections: Declining union power, stagnant labor standards, and discrimination have eroded workers’ bargaining power and wages.
  • Regressive Tax System: Tax policies have become less progressive, favoring the wealthy and encouraging rent-seeking over productive investment.

How does "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" explain the rise of inequality in the U.S.?

  • Policy-Driven Inequality: The book attributes rising inequality to deregulation, tax cuts for the wealthy, weakened labor laws, and changes in corporate governance since the 1970s.
  • Market Power and Rent-Seeking: Increased market concentration and financialization have allowed certain groups to extract economic rents at the expense of the majority.
  • Discrimination and Exclusion: Structural racism and gender discrimination have compounded economic disparities, especially for people of color and women.
  • Globalization and Technology: While important, these forces alone cannot explain U.S. inequality, as other advanced countries exposed to similar trends have not seen the same outcomes.

What specific concepts and definitions are central to Stiglitz’s analysis in "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy"?

  • Market Power: The ability of firms or groups to set prices and influence market rules, often leading to higher profits and less competition.
  • Financialization: The growing dominance of the financial sector over the real economy, often resulting in increased risk and inequality.
  • Rent-Seeking: The pursuit of wealth through manipulation or exploitation of the economic environment, rather than through productive activity.
  • Short-Termism: Corporate focus on immediate profits and stock prices at the expense of long-term investment and stability.
  • Supply-Side Economics: The discredited theory that tax cuts and deregulation for the wealthy and businesses will "trickle down" to benefit everyone.

What are the main policy recommendations in "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy"?

  • Tame Market Power: Update antitrust laws, rebalance intellectual property rights, and ensure fair competition in key sectors like healthcare and finance.
  • Reform the Financial Sector: End "too big to fail," regulate shadow banking, increase transparency, and align finance with productive investment.
  • Promote Long-Term Growth: Restructure CEO pay, enact a financial transaction tax, and empower long-term stakeholders in corporate governance.
  • Rebalance Tax and Transfer Systems: Raise top marginal tax rates, tax capital gains like labor income, close loopholes, and eliminate regressive tax expenditures.
  • Strengthen Labor and Social Protections: Restore full employment as a policy goal, raise the minimum wage, expand access to education, healthcare, and childcare, and address discrimination.

How does Stiglitz propose to "grow the middle" and restore economic security for most Americans?

  • Full Employment Focus: Prioritize policies that achieve and maintain full employment, including public investment in infrastructure and education.
  • Empower Workers: Strengthen collective bargaining rights, raise labor standards, and enforce workplace protections.
  • Expand Opportunity: Address barriers to employment for women, people of color, and immigrants through criminal justice and immigration reform, paid leave, and childcare support.
  • Enhance Economic Security: Make healthcare and higher education affordable, expand Social Security, and provide access to fair financial services and housing.

How does "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" address issues of racial and gender discrimination?

  • Historical Context: The book details how past and present policies have systematically excluded people of color and women from economic opportunity.
  • Structural Solutions: Stiglitz advocates for targeted investments in education, criminal justice reform, pay equity, and family-friendly policies to dismantle barriers.
  • Economic Impact: Reducing discrimination is not only a moral imperative but also essential for maximizing economic growth and competitiveness.
  • Policy Integration: Anti-discrimination measures are woven into broader economic reforms, ensuring that gains from growth are widely shared.

What are the best quotes from "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" by Joseph E. Stiglitz and what do they mean?

  • "Inequality—at the level and of the type that we see today—is a choice. When the rules no longer work, it’s time to rewrite them."
    This quote encapsulates the book’s central thesis: that economic outcomes are shaped by human-made rules, and changing those rules can create a fairer society.
  • "The notion that we have to choose between economic growth and shared prosperity for many more Americans is false."
    Stiglitz challenges the idea that equality and growth are in conflict, arguing that they can and should go hand in hand.
  • "We have created a so-called market economy that is rife with distortions, which enrich the top and stifle long-term growth."
    This highlights how current policies have led to inefficiency and instability, benefiting a small elite at the expense of the broader economy.
  • "The American economy no longer works for most Americans."
    A blunt assessment of the disconnect between reported economic growth and the lived experience of the majority.

What is the overall message and vision of "Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy" by Joseph E. Stiglitz?

  • Systemic Change is Possible: The book calls for bold, comprehensive reforms to the rules governing the economy, not just minor tweaks.
  • Shared Prosperity is Achievable: By rewriting the rules, the U.S. can restore the promise of the American Dream and ensure broad-based economic security.
  • Political Will is Essential: Achieving these changes requires mobilizing public support and overcoming entrenched interests.
  • Hopeful Precedent: Drawing on the legacy of the New Deal and past progressive movements, Stiglitz argues that transformative change is both necessary and achievable.

Review Summary

4.00 out of 5
Average of 100+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Rewriting the Rules of the American Economy receives mixed reviews, with an average rating of 4 out of 5. Many readers praise Stiglitz's analysis of economic inequality and his proposed solutions, finding the book insightful and well-argued. Some appreciate its accessibility and concise presentation. However, critics argue that the book lacks depth, relies on cherry-picked data, and offers unrealistic solutions. Several reviewers note that while the book identifies important issues, its proposed remedies may be challenging to implement in the current political climate.

Your rating:
4.54
31 ratings

About the Author

Joseph Eugene Stiglitz is a renowned American economist and professor at Columbia University. He won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 2001 and the John Bates Clark Medal in 1979. Joseph E. Stiglitz has held significant positions, including Senior Vice President and Chief Economist of the World Bank. Known for his critical views on globalization and free-market economics, Stiglitz founded the Initiative for Policy Dialogue in 2000. He is a prolific author and one of the most frequently cited economists worldwide. Stiglitz holds various academic positions, including University Professor at Columbia and honorary professor at Tsinghua University.

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