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The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics
Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations provided the first, most influential and lasting explanation of the workings of modern economics. But with his focus on "the market" as the best mechanism for producing and distributing the necessities of life, Smith's concepts only told part of the story, leading to flawed economic models that devalue activities that fall outside of the market's parameters of buying and selling. The real wealth of nations, Riane Eisler argues, is not merely financial, but includes the contributions of people and our natural environment. Here, Eisler goes beyond the market to reexamine economics from a larger perspective--and shows that we must give visibility and value to the socially and economically essential work of caring for people and the planet if we are to meet the enormous challenges we are facing.
Eisler proposes a new "caring economics" that takes into account the full spectrum of economic activities--from the life--sustaining activities of the household, to the life-enriching activities of caregivers and communities, to the life-supporting processes of nature. She shows how our values are distorted by the economic double standard that devalues anything stereotypically associated with women and femininity; reveals how current economic models are based on a deep-seated culture of domination; and shows how human needs would be better served by economic models based on caring. Most importantly, she provides practical proposals for new economic inventions--new measures, policies, rules, and practices--to bring about a caring economics that fulfills human needs.
Like her classic The Chalice and the Blade, The Real Wealth of Nations is a bold and insightful look at how to create a society in which each of us can achieve the full measure of our humanity.
Eisler proposes a new "caring economics" that takes into account the full spectrum of economic activities--from the life--sustaining activities of the household, to the life-enriching activities of caregivers and communities, to the life-supporting processes of nature. She shows how our values are distorted by the economic double standard that devalues anything stereotypically associated with women and femininity; reveals how current economic models are based on a deep-seated culture of domination; and shows how human needs would be better served by economic models based on caring. Most importantly, she provides practical proposals for new economic inventions--new measures, policies, rules, and practices--to bring about a caring economics that fulfills human needs.
Like her classic The Chalice and the Blade, The Real Wealth of Nations is a bold and insightful look at how to create a society in which each of us can achieve the full measure of our humanity.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
73 people are currently reading
1057 people want to read
About the author
Riane Eisler
30 books189 followersRiane Eisler is internationally known for her bestseller The Chalice and The Blade, now in 26 foreign editions and celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new 2017 epilogue in its 57th US printing, as well as for other award-winning books. She keynotes conferences worldwide, with venues including the United Nations General Assembly and the US Department of State. She is President of the Center for Partnership Studies and has received many honors, including honorary Ph.D. degrees, the Alice Paul ERA Education Award, and the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation's 2009 Distinguished Peace Leadership Award, and is featured in the award-winning book Great Peacemakers as one of 20 leaders for world peace, along with Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King.
She can be contacted at center@partnershipway.org.
Her websites are http://www.centerfor partnership.org, http://caringeconomy.org,
and http://www.rianeeisler.com
She can be contacted at center@partnershipway.org.
Her websites are http://www.centerfor partnership.org, http://caringeconomy.org,
and http://www.rianeeisler.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 29, 2011
In The Real Wealth of Nations, Riane Eisler contrasts the way that modern economics is tallied with the bigger picture that is often ignored. In the real world, paid labor is supported by the unpaid labor of cooking, cleaning, and caretaking. Under all of this is the unpaid and unaccounted contribution of natural capital.
Our current accounting system ignores these contributions, and instead focuses only on money as the metric for success. Unfortunately, this metric creates a situation in which the Valdez oil spill is counted as a plus in our economy. Pharmaceuticals are counted as more valuable than wellness approaches, and even auto accidents add to our GDP.
Somehow, we have disconnected our ideas of wealth from our ideas of well-being. This is unfortunate. Eisler shows that countries that value their natural and human capital and invest in it are happier and healthier than those that don't. Companies that develop caring policies find that they save money as their employees become loyal and turnover rates plummet.
We can have our cake and eat it too. If we invested in education and caregiving activities to the degree we invest in military spending, the outcomes for future generations could be extraordinary.
Reading this book during Autumn of 2011 was politically poetic. The Occupy Wall Street movement is looking to change the paradigm that is destroying our world. Eisler shows us that there are other ways of doing things that can create more happiness and well-being for more people. When we make caring our compass, we can all be better off. By stepping out of the dominance paradigm of the dominant paradigm, we can stop looking at all relationships as competition, and begin looking at ways to network, connect, and contribute to a world that we would want to leave for our children.
Our current accounting system ignores these contributions, and instead focuses only on money as the metric for success. Unfortunately, this metric creates a situation in which the Valdez oil spill is counted as a plus in our economy. Pharmaceuticals are counted as more valuable than wellness approaches, and even auto accidents add to our GDP.
Somehow, we have disconnected our ideas of wealth from our ideas of well-being. This is unfortunate. Eisler shows that countries that value their natural and human capital and invest in it are happier and healthier than those that don't. Companies that develop caring policies find that they save money as their employees become loyal and turnover rates plummet.
We can have our cake and eat it too. If we invested in education and caregiving activities to the degree we invest in military spending, the outcomes for future generations could be extraordinary.
Reading this book during Autumn of 2011 was politically poetic. The Occupy Wall Street movement is looking to change the paradigm that is destroying our world. Eisler shows us that there are other ways of doing things that can create more happiness and well-being for more people. When we make caring our compass, we can all be better off. By stepping out of the dominance paradigm of the dominant paradigm, we can stop looking at all relationships as competition, and begin looking at ways to network, connect, and contribute to a world that we would want to leave for our children.
Read
November 2, 20204/5 stars. The Real Wealth of Nations is a book that has held up extremely well over the the twelve years since its release. The goal of the book, to shift the valuation of our economic systems from purely financial toward care-focused, is even more necessary today than it was in 2007. This text is a call to action, and one that I admit has moved me to try to do my part in the shifting of social consciousness surrounding what it is we value and why we choose to place certain things over others, namely financial wealth at the cost of social well-being.
While the book does have some strong socialist leanings (see the references to Scandinavian societies ad nauseum), Dr. Eisler holds up here arguments with solid economic data. The areas I found most striking, and in retrospect forward thinking, were her comments on the work place and the shifting political sphere. Modern work place norms such as a telecommuting, in-office child care, and flexible work hours were much less common at the time of her writing this book. While it can seem like these practices, along with nitro cold-brew coffee stands and hot yoga studios, are grabs at a millennial generation of yuppies, she shows that caring workplace practices in fact retain higher quality workers and generate increased profits over time. On the political side, we are seeing a democratic primary race in 2019 that is awash with candidates discussing the necessity to shift our metrics for quantifying the impact our industries have on the environment.
She drifts into the realm of romanticism and unrealistic optimism at times, but at the core, she is right. As a species we need to recognize the realities of the world we have created for ourselves over centuries of inequality and oppression. We must come to terms with the notion that we cannot value things in the same way we once did. Whether "Caring Economics" is the nomenclature that will be used remains to be seen, but what is clear is that a shift is necessary, and that it is only a matter of time before that shift occurs.
While the book does have some strong socialist leanings (see the references to Scandinavian societies ad nauseum), Dr. Eisler holds up here arguments with solid economic data. The areas I found most striking, and in retrospect forward thinking, were her comments on the work place and the shifting political sphere. Modern work place norms such as a telecommuting, in-office child care, and flexible work hours were much less common at the time of her writing this book. While it can seem like these practices, along with nitro cold-brew coffee stands and hot yoga studios, are grabs at a millennial generation of yuppies, she shows that caring workplace practices in fact retain higher quality workers and generate increased profits over time. On the political side, we are seeing a democratic primary race in 2019 that is awash with candidates discussing the necessity to shift our metrics for quantifying the impact our industries have on the environment.
She drifts into the realm of romanticism and unrealistic optimism at times, but at the core, she is right. As a species we need to recognize the realities of the world we have created for ourselves over centuries of inequality and oppression. We must come to terms with the notion that we cannot value things in the same way we once did. Whether "Caring Economics" is the nomenclature that will be used remains to be seen, but what is clear is that a shift is necessary, and that it is only a matter of time before that shift occurs.
October 21, 2020
Die Corona-Epidemie hat uns in alarmierender Weise gezeigt, dass sich Krisen der Gegenwart nicht mit Denkweisen und Strukturen der Vergangenheit lösen lassen. Mit der fatalsten Denkfalle, der Abwertung der Erziehungs- und Pflegeleistung von Frauen, hat sich Riane Eisler seit Jahren befasst. Ihre von der Flucht ihrer Familie vor dem Nationalsozialismus geprägte persönliche Biografie hat die Autorin vermutlich dafür sensibilisiert, wie sog. Dominanzsysteme funktionieren und auch nach Generationen noch das Denken bestimmen. Ein Dominanzsystem geht von der Überlegenheit einer Gruppe über eine andere aus, sie ignoriert deren Leistungen und spricht ihr Rechte ab. Das gilt für das hierarchische Verhältnis von Männern gegenüber Frauen, Menschen über die Natur und die Beziehung zwischen Staaten. Merkmal von Dominanzsystemen sei stets, dass sie extrem unwillig seien, sich zu verändern und Gewalt zu ihrer Erhaltung als legitim betrachtet wird.
Mit einem weitem Bogen von der Antike zu Diktaturen und Staaten der Gegenwart beschreibt Eisler ein Menschenbild, in dem Männer Frauen und Kinder besitzen, Frauen nicht über ihr eigenes Vermögen entscheiden und kaum an politischen Prozessen partizipieren, wo in Pflege und Erziehung die niedrigsten Löhne gezahlt werden, Care-Arbeit noch immer ungleich verteilt ist und in einer Abwärtsspirale schließlich wirtschaftliche Fehlentscheidungen zur Zerstörung unserer Lebensgrundlagen führe. All das lässt sich auf die mangelnde Anerkennung von Fürsorge und Partnerschaft zurückführen. Das Ignorieren der Care-Arbeit sieht Eisler ähnlich wie eine falsche Bilanz, in der sowohl der Aktivposten Human-Kapital als auch die Arbeitsleistung der Hälfte der Bevölkerung ignoriert wird. Unvollständige Daten würden zwangsläufig zu falschen Entscheidungen für das „Unternehmen“ Menschheit führen. Wirtschaftlich erfolgreiche Staaten mit einer hohen Zufriedenheit der Bürger (Beispiel Skandinavien) zeichneten sich dagegen heute dadurch aus, dass Frauen gleichberechtigt im Berufsleben und in der Politik stehen, Care-Arbeit geteilt würde und der Druck auf Männer sinken würde, sich besonders „männlich“ verhalten zu müssen. Eisler weist ebenfalls nach, dass Armut weiblich ist und allen Menschen schade, wenn Kinder durch ein schlechtes Bildungs- und Gesundheitssystem beeinträchtigt wären.
Dominanz-Systeme halten sich so hartnäckig, weil ihre Normen sich auf eine historische und religiöse (jüdisch-christliche) Basis stützen, in der Menschen die Verhältnisse für nicht veränderbar halten. Den Einfluss von u. a. Religion und Zölibat auf unsere Werte fand ich hochinteressant (A World Without Women 1992 oder Die Hosen des Pythagaras 2002). Damit wir die Probleme der Gegenwart in Angriff nehmen können, müssen wir zunächst die Denkfehler von Wirtschaftstheoretikern und den Tunnelblick von Historikern überwinden lernen, die bisher 50% der Menschheit ignorierten. Nicht zuletzt der Diesel-Skandal in Deutschland hat uns eindringlich gezeigt, welch fatale, kostspielige Fehlentwicklungen Dominanz-Systeme hervorbringen.
Eisler scheut sich nicht, jegliche Gewalt als unnötigen Kostenfaktor zu verdammen und Share-Holder-Denken, Einfluss von Mega-Konzernen, Korruption, Lobbyismus wirtschaftlich betrachtet als gigantische Verschwendung von Mitteln zu erklären, die an anderer Stelle wirksamer eingesetzt werden könnten.
Persönlich hat mich beeindruckt, wie lange Eisler schon zu ihren Themen forscht und welch originelle Verknüpfungen sie dabei entdeckt, z. b. die Verbindung zwischen Dominanzstruktur, Kolonialismus und Umweltzerstörung oder D, Gewalt, Patriarchat, rigiden Männlichkeitsnormen und lebensfeindlicher Umgebung (Griffith 2003).
Mit dem schwer ins Deutsche zu übersetzenden Begriff Caring-Ökonomie und nach einer durch die wissenschaftliche Sprache eher sperrig zu lesenden Einleitung kommt Riane Eisler zu miteinander verknüpften, leicht nachzuvollziehenden Kernpunkten, die gemeinsam angepackt werden müssen. Auch wenn sie auf den zitierten Gebieten unterschiedlich bewandert ist, lohnt es, sich ihre interdisziplinäre Sichtweise zum Vorbild zu nehmen. Über diese Kompetenz verfügen Politiker selten – und genau das hat die Menschheit in die aktuelle Situation gebracht.
Mit einem weitem Bogen von der Antike zu Diktaturen und Staaten der Gegenwart beschreibt Eisler ein Menschenbild, in dem Männer Frauen und Kinder besitzen, Frauen nicht über ihr eigenes Vermögen entscheiden und kaum an politischen Prozessen partizipieren, wo in Pflege und Erziehung die niedrigsten Löhne gezahlt werden, Care-Arbeit noch immer ungleich verteilt ist und in einer Abwärtsspirale schließlich wirtschaftliche Fehlentscheidungen zur Zerstörung unserer Lebensgrundlagen führe. All das lässt sich auf die mangelnde Anerkennung von Fürsorge und Partnerschaft zurückführen. Das Ignorieren der Care-Arbeit sieht Eisler ähnlich wie eine falsche Bilanz, in der sowohl der Aktivposten Human-Kapital als auch die Arbeitsleistung der Hälfte der Bevölkerung ignoriert wird. Unvollständige Daten würden zwangsläufig zu falschen Entscheidungen für das „Unternehmen“ Menschheit führen. Wirtschaftlich erfolgreiche Staaten mit einer hohen Zufriedenheit der Bürger (Beispiel Skandinavien) zeichneten sich dagegen heute dadurch aus, dass Frauen gleichberechtigt im Berufsleben und in der Politik stehen, Care-Arbeit geteilt würde und der Druck auf Männer sinken würde, sich besonders „männlich“ verhalten zu müssen. Eisler weist ebenfalls nach, dass Armut weiblich ist und allen Menschen schade, wenn Kinder durch ein schlechtes Bildungs- und Gesundheitssystem beeinträchtigt wären.
Dominanz-Systeme halten sich so hartnäckig, weil ihre Normen sich auf eine historische und religiöse (jüdisch-christliche) Basis stützen, in der Menschen die Verhältnisse für nicht veränderbar halten. Den Einfluss von u. a. Religion und Zölibat auf unsere Werte fand ich hochinteressant (A World Without Women 1992 oder Die Hosen des Pythagaras 2002). Damit wir die Probleme der Gegenwart in Angriff nehmen können, müssen wir zunächst die Denkfehler von Wirtschaftstheoretikern und den Tunnelblick von Historikern überwinden lernen, die bisher 50% der Menschheit ignorierten. Nicht zuletzt der Diesel-Skandal in Deutschland hat uns eindringlich gezeigt, welch fatale, kostspielige Fehlentwicklungen Dominanz-Systeme hervorbringen.
Eisler scheut sich nicht, jegliche Gewalt als unnötigen Kostenfaktor zu verdammen und Share-Holder-Denken, Einfluss von Mega-Konzernen, Korruption, Lobbyismus wirtschaftlich betrachtet als gigantische Verschwendung von Mitteln zu erklären, die an anderer Stelle wirksamer eingesetzt werden könnten.
Persönlich hat mich beeindruckt, wie lange Eisler schon zu ihren Themen forscht und welch originelle Verknüpfungen sie dabei entdeckt, z. b. die Verbindung zwischen Dominanzstruktur, Kolonialismus und Umweltzerstörung oder D, Gewalt, Patriarchat, rigiden Männlichkeitsnormen und lebensfeindlicher Umgebung (Griffith 2003).
Mit dem schwer ins Deutsche zu übersetzenden Begriff Caring-Ökonomie und nach einer durch die wissenschaftliche Sprache eher sperrig zu lesenden Einleitung kommt Riane Eisler zu miteinander verknüpften, leicht nachzuvollziehenden Kernpunkten, die gemeinsam angepackt werden müssen. Auch wenn sie auf den zitierten Gebieten unterschiedlich bewandert ist, lohnt es, sich ihre interdisziplinäre Sichtweise zum Vorbild zu nehmen. Über diese Kompetenz verfügen Politiker selten – und genau das hat die Menschheit in die aktuelle Situation gebracht.
August 21, 2015
In this book, Eisler talks about how our economy needs to change from a "domination" system to a "partnership" system, one that is cooperative and values caring and caregivng values and activities. I completely agree, but I only gave the book three stars because she spent more time on WHY this is important rather than practical steps on how to get there. I'm already a "bleeding heart", so I didn't need any convincing. This is the kind of vision that I have held myself for a long time. This is why I would have liked to have seen more solid details, spelling out exactly what practical steps to take to "create a caring revolution". I was looking forward to the last chapter, and have to admit I was a bit disappointed when I got there and found it to be more spreading the word, talking and writing about it. Most of my friends and family already have values that fit neatly into the concept of a caring economy, so I don't think I need to convince them. Supporting local and regional elections with candidates that espouse these values is better, but still not enough - I wanted to read some more concrete, specific steps that really can put the theory into action.
So, I feel like this book is meant for a different kind of audience, not one where the author is preaching to the choir. I would probably give it to an older person who's complacency about the current economy hasn't been challenged yet, someone who is still open-minded and empathic enough to be able to change their opinion with new information.
So, I feel like this book is meant for a different kind of audience, not one where the author is preaching to the choir. I would probably give it to an older person who's complacency about the current economy hasn't been challenged yet, someone who is still open-minded and empathic enough to be able to change their opinion with new information.
September 16, 2009
I began reading Riane Eisler’s book “The Real Wealth of Nations” with an open mind. I am interested in the stated premise of the book, “Creating a Caring Economics”. I was intrigued by the coalescence of caring and economics and believe that our world today is in dire need of a change in priority and direction as it relates to caring for and nurturing one another. Unfortunately as I read Ms. Eisler’s work I found it to be a hate filled feminist manifesto, laced with a socialist agenda. There were several instances that I felt my beliefs, both religious and personal, were insulted by Eisler’s drivel. Eisler has the right ideas about a caring economics and I found some of her suggestions to be helpful as well. Sadly much of the good that could come from this book is lost among page after page of blaming males for all the ills of our society. Putting aside my personal thoughts on Eisler and her political standing, I completed the book in hopes of gleaning some useful insight.
I do not think that blaming the male species, and comparing today’s male leaders to Hitler, Stalin and the like are beneficial. . When I was presented this book, I was told that it might “tweak” me and one should find good and something to reflect on in all books. Needless to say, I’m tweaked. I could site many examples of where Eisler’s socialist/uber feminist politics offend me, but that would as counter productive as her book in effecting change. As I stated earlier it’s not I disagree with the need for a caring economics or even some of Eisler’s ideas to effect change. For me, much is lost in the side agendas of this book, and I find it difficult get any meat out of all the bones that are evident to me. The idea that our society places too much emphasis on materiel production and consumption is accurate. Developed nations are raked by Gross National Product (GDP) type statistics; these numbers measure a nation’s output. This output measurement is limited to the monetary value of goods and services; lost is the work of many that care and nurture the healthy growth of our society. This work is inarguably of preeminent value and no society can thrive without it. Contrary to what Eisler espouses, lack of value assignment to this work is not the male oppression of “woman’s work”, but rather the challenges of how does one measure such work and assign value; this assignment may not even have traditional monetary values. If one does assign value to the work of caring how does one compensate and exchange for this work? These challenges are not trivial. Disposing of the traditional indices and adopting a new caring economic index could prove damaging to a nation’s economy. Other trading nations may not adopt the new index and thus not value or invest in an economy based on the new index. A better approach would be adopting a new index, in addition to traditional GDP; one similar to the Kingdom of Bhutan’s “happiness index”. This proposed index, combined with traditional GDP, could be a report card type statistic that nations’ leaders could use to measure the overall productivity, while maintaining indices that are widely accepted for trade.
The assessment of care giving’s value is further complicated by availability of caregivers at a given quality level and the subjective nature of quality measurement. Eisler sites the comparison of a baby sitter’s wages to that of plumbers, with baby sitters making an average of $7 an hour and plumbers average $50. One could agree with Eisler’s superficial assessment that society values it’s pipes more that it’s children. The reality is that an equilibrium of care quality and availability is reached here. For example in my church and social circle there are dozens of people capable of providing the quality of care I require while my wife and go out to dinner and/or a movie. These care takers are in no way replacement for the full time care that I and my wife provide, but it is sufficient for the time required. If I was in need of full time care for my children, monetary considerations would much less important than finding a compatible and caring person to help care for my children. On the other hand I do not know any quality plumbers in the area that I would call if I had problem with my home. Here again the equilibrium of quality and availability are at play; I would be willing pay more for a large problem or job than I would to fix a dripping faucet.
As a Christian I take personal offense to Eisler’s condescending treatment of the Christian Faith; dismissing people of Faith as dominating homophobes, and her book’s sub-text of a pro-choice agenda.
I do not think that blaming the male species, and comparing today’s male leaders to Hitler, Stalin and the like are beneficial. . When I was presented this book, I was told that it might “tweak” me and one should find good and something to reflect on in all books. Needless to say, I’m tweaked. I could site many examples of where Eisler’s socialist/uber feminist politics offend me, but that would as counter productive as her book in effecting change. As I stated earlier it’s not I disagree with the need for a caring economics or even some of Eisler’s ideas to effect change. For me, much is lost in the side agendas of this book, and I find it difficult get any meat out of all the bones that are evident to me. The idea that our society places too much emphasis on materiel production and consumption is accurate. Developed nations are raked by Gross National Product (GDP) type statistics; these numbers measure a nation’s output. This output measurement is limited to the monetary value of goods and services; lost is the work of many that care and nurture the healthy growth of our society. This work is inarguably of preeminent value and no society can thrive without it. Contrary to what Eisler espouses, lack of value assignment to this work is not the male oppression of “woman’s work”, but rather the challenges of how does one measure such work and assign value; this assignment may not even have traditional monetary values. If one does assign value to the work of caring how does one compensate and exchange for this work? These challenges are not trivial. Disposing of the traditional indices and adopting a new caring economic index could prove damaging to a nation’s economy. Other trading nations may not adopt the new index and thus not value or invest in an economy based on the new index. A better approach would be adopting a new index, in addition to traditional GDP; one similar to the Kingdom of Bhutan’s “happiness index”. This proposed index, combined with traditional GDP, could be a report card type statistic that nations’ leaders could use to measure the overall productivity, while maintaining indices that are widely accepted for trade.
The assessment of care giving’s value is further complicated by availability of caregivers at a given quality level and the subjective nature of quality measurement. Eisler sites the comparison of a baby sitter’s wages to that of plumbers, with baby sitters making an average of $7 an hour and plumbers average $50. One could agree with Eisler’s superficial assessment that society values it’s pipes more that it’s children. The reality is that an equilibrium of care quality and availability is reached here. For example in my church and social circle there are dozens of people capable of providing the quality of care I require while my wife and go out to dinner and/or a movie. These care takers are in no way replacement for the full time care that I and my wife provide, but it is sufficient for the time required. If I was in need of full time care for my children, monetary considerations would much less important than finding a compatible and caring person to help care for my children. On the other hand I do not know any quality plumbers in the area that I would call if I had problem with my home. Here again the equilibrium of quality and availability are at play; I would be willing pay more for a large problem or job than I would to fix a dripping faucet.
As a Christian I take personal offense to Eisler’s condescending treatment of the Christian Faith; dismissing people of Faith as dominating homophobes, and her book’s sub-text of a pro-choice agenda.
May 8, 2008
A radical departure from the Chalice and the Blade, this well researched book gave me cognitive fodder for imagining a new economic reality in which the freedom of capitalism is more powerfully employed in the service of human interest.
When I picked it up, I expected a light-weight, capitalism-bashing, leftist screed. I was shocked to find this book an insightful and fairly dispassionate examination of global economics, with some genuinely constructive suggestions. I'll be making a presentation at a conference in November that explores how her partnership model could be applied to actually increase profitability and retain customers.
I'd recommend that anyone who has more intelligence than the typical knee-jerk socialist read this book.
When I picked it up, I expected a light-weight, capitalism-bashing, leftist screed. I was shocked to find this book an insightful and fairly dispassionate examination of global economics, with some genuinely constructive suggestions. I'll be making a presentation at a conference in November that explores how her partnership model could be applied to actually increase profitability and retain customers.
I'd recommend that anyone who has more intelligence than the typical knee-jerk socialist read this book.
November 16, 2020
Eisler looks at economic life with a view that is long as history, wide as the planet, and hopeful as any mother. For her, care has always made the world go round, and it always will. I think she shows we have made a huge mistake. We have treated caring as a cost rather than a fruitful investment -- in relation to children, communities, businesses, health, or our environment. But with all the force of a world-class scholar, Eisler demonstrates in field after field how "caring pays." Her practical vision of an economy based on care for human potential and environmental health could transform our whole sense of what realistic living is.
October 19, 2018
Stimulating possibilities, clunky with the statistics and examples. Powerful message, daunting task. Loved the last chapter, inspiring.
"This economic double standard, in which caring and caregiving is associated with women and “femininity” and seen as inferior to anything stereotypically associated with men and “masculinity” is reflected in and perpetuated by economic measurements that falsify the costs of uncaring policies."
"Probably the most inefficient and destructive aspect of dominator economics and politics is that they artificially produce scarcity. The creation and perpetuation of scarcity is a prerequisite for dominator systems maintenance. It is largely through the production of scarcity that this system, which uses fear of pain as its major motivation for work, maintains itself."
"Although it may not always be called corruption, when powerful corporate interests basically buy protection for environmental destructive policies through campaign contributions, that’s what it is."
"Equally important, since so much of what has become our defining culture portrays injustice and violence as simply human nature, we must see to it that children and adults, get a more complete and accurate story of human nature and human possibilities. The reason is simple: unless people think something is possible they won’t even try to create it."
"This economic double standard, in which caring and caregiving is associated with women and “femininity” and seen as inferior to anything stereotypically associated with men and “masculinity” is reflected in and perpetuated by economic measurements that falsify the costs of uncaring policies."
"Probably the most inefficient and destructive aspect of dominator economics and politics is that they artificially produce scarcity. The creation and perpetuation of scarcity is a prerequisite for dominator systems maintenance. It is largely through the production of scarcity that this system, which uses fear of pain as its major motivation for work, maintains itself."
"Although it may not always be called corruption, when powerful corporate interests basically buy protection for environmental destructive policies through campaign contributions, that’s what it is."
"Equally important, since so much of what has become our defining culture portrays injustice and violence as simply human nature, we must see to it that children and adults, get a more complete and accurate story of human nature and human possibilities. The reason is simple: unless people think something is possible they won’t even try to create it."
July 4, 2013
The Real Wealth of Nations is an outstanding explanation and analysis of the source of today's myriad of social problems, both here in the U.S. and globally. Eisler integrates numerous concepts and social issues under the umbrella of the concept of gender equality and creating a more caring economy designed to create a higher, more sustainable quality of life, and thus peace and prosperity for all. More importantly, she doesn't simply describe the social issues related to domination and inequality, but she offers solutions that can be implemented at all levels from the individual and the family to government and business.
August 23, 2014
Excellent read, and far more succinctly explains a key point that I've been rabbiting on about for years - caregivers (to the young, the disadvantaged and the elderly) are far too under-valued in our society. The benefits of more validation for them will definitely have a trickle down effect on improving quality of life for all. Eisler prescribes a “caring economics” that assumes the obvious: people really matter. As she argues, “the real wealth of nations consists of the contributions of people and our natural environment.”
March 30, 2011
Having completed the last chapter in this trilogy of work by Riane Eisler I am left inspired,informed and empowered. It is my sincerest hope that more people will read this and the other books of this group and one reader at a time transform the global conversation about partnership and caring.
May 17, 2012
Excellent book for those who want to understand/think more deeply about what we value and how to measure economically what we value. The current economic system doesn't work and we need to move beyond Capitalism and Socialism Riane Eisler helps lead the way and gives you lots to think about.
July 5, 2021
I was introduced to Riane Eisler by the Luvmours at Meetings with Remarkable Educators (online podcasts.) I’m wondering why I hadn’t been aware of her work before now! Most of my interests and concerns circle around her messages; I’ll be reading as many of her books as I can find!
December 8, 2008
Barack please read this, and incorporate, we need a whole new Economic Model
Read
February 23, 2023Reading one short article from Riane Eisler made me wanna read more of her work. Eisler refuses to be stuck in, according to her, old categories of capitalist vs socialist, Right or Left, Western or Eastern, but she instead stresses that most of these categories fail to factor in how the construction of gender roles and relations affects the structure of the entire system. Not only that, these categories ignore early childhood relations - even though these relations profoundly affect what kinds of relationships and societies people grow up to accept and perpetuate.
Therefore, the basis of her analysis is domination systems vs. partnership systems which are defined by four categories:
- social structure (of inequality, as opposed to quality)
- degree of violence and fear in society (as opposed to high trust and respect)
- unequal gender relations (as opposed to gender equality)
- cultural narratives that legitimize the system
While she talks about a shift towards a more caring economy, she acknowledges that the economy is only a subsystem of society and so if we want to change the economy, we need to change the bigger realm of society too. She also stresses the fact that many of the movements to change the current system only focused on the power within the larger society (apart from parts of feminist movements), rather than on the unit of private household and relations within it. I guess this comes as no surprise to many acquainted with the feminist theory, and yet, I think it’s often not talked about as much in the new economy/degrowth circles and I'm very thankful for all the feminists bringing this analysis in.
The part that was the most interesting for me would fall into the well-known feminist motto “personal is political”. In the book, she describes how the gender-relations and child reading in the household impact the wider dynamics of the whole system. To sum it up: unequal gender relations lead to a gendered value system, where the stereotypically “feminine” aspects of our society such as care or empathy are being devalued, and underfinanced, and out of sight for most of the analysis too, she specifically criticizes Marx who tried theorize more equal society but didn't look at the sites of reproduction and unequal gender relations.
Moreover, if children grow up in an authoritarian family where child-rearing relies on fear and force and where partnership relations aren't modeled, they often believe that the only alternative is to dominate or be dominated. The fascinating part of the book was where she connected this with neurobiology and how this neurobiological programming can make these patterns become part of a child’s cognitive and emotional map for all relations (think of all the people who think that more democratic structures and co-ops could never work!) This is often why many people yearn for the “strong men” holding positions of power, as strong authority feels natural, inevitable and neccessary for them.
Eisler stresses that for creating a truly caring economy, we need to change the narratives, but also simultaneously change structures so they would be based on partnership, rather than domination and would support caring - in families, workplaces, schools, and governments. While Eisler doesn't give that many concrete tools for creating partnership culture, I again really see the usefulness of Nonviolent Communication and more specifically, its systemic strand (for instance Miki Kashtan), which gives us the practical tools to create relationships of deep partnerships. Developing these soft qualities such as active listening, connecting with our needs and feelings and empathy is really a political act of changing the systems that we live in that don't encourage us to develop these capacities. Once we master these, we can truly bring about a new generation of children for whom partnership kind of relationships is the only acceptable one and where caring is part of all gender identities.
I enjoy reading books like this one, which offers a more cultural/psychological explanation of how we perpetuate this capitalist, domination system that inevitably leads to crises. Having said that, I do think that it’s really important to connect it to the structural dynamics of capitalism and her book would make a much stronger case if she built on or at least referenced the ideas of some Marxist feminists or ecofeminists. Having said that, I did find the new language of partnership vs domination systems refreshing and insightful and can be maybe used for some audiences for whom Marxist analysis and language present an unsurmountable obstacle to creating a more critical, but also visionary worldview.
Therefore, the basis of her analysis is domination systems vs. partnership systems which are defined by four categories:
- social structure (of inequality, as opposed to quality)
- degree of violence and fear in society (as opposed to high trust and respect)
- unequal gender relations (as opposed to gender equality)
- cultural narratives that legitimize the system
While she talks about a shift towards a more caring economy, she acknowledges that the economy is only a subsystem of society and so if we want to change the economy, we need to change the bigger realm of society too. She also stresses the fact that many of the movements to change the current system only focused on the power within the larger society (apart from parts of feminist movements), rather than on the unit of private household and relations within it. I guess this comes as no surprise to many acquainted with the feminist theory, and yet, I think it’s often not talked about as much in the new economy/degrowth circles and I'm very thankful for all the feminists bringing this analysis in.
The part that was the most interesting for me would fall into the well-known feminist motto “personal is political”. In the book, she describes how the gender-relations and child reading in the household impact the wider dynamics of the whole system. To sum it up: unequal gender relations lead to a gendered value system, where the stereotypically “feminine” aspects of our society such as care or empathy are being devalued, and underfinanced, and out of sight for most of the analysis too, she specifically criticizes Marx who tried theorize more equal society but didn't look at the sites of reproduction and unequal gender relations.
Moreover, if children grow up in an authoritarian family where child-rearing relies on fear and force and where partnership relations aren't modeled, they often believe that the only alternative is to dominate or be dominated. The fascinating part of the book was where she connected this with neurobiology and how this neurobiological programming can make these patterns become part of a child’s cognitive and emotional map for all relations (think of all the people who think that more democratic structures and co-ops could never work!) This is often why many people yearn for the “strong men” holding positions of power, as strong authority feels natural, inevitable and neccessary for them.
Eisler stresses that for creating a truly caring economy, we need to change the narratives, but also simultaneously change structures so they would be based on partnership, rather than domination and would support caring - in families, workplaces, schools, and governments. While Eisler doesn't give that many concrete tools for creating partnership culture, I again really see the usefulness of Nonviolent Communication and more specifically, its systemic strand (for instance Miki Kashtan), which gives us the practical tools to create relationships of deep partnerships. Developing these soft qualities such as active listening, connecting with our needs and feelings and empathy is really a political act of changing the systems that we live in that don't encourage us to develop these capacities. Once we master these, we can truly bring about a new generation of children for whom partnership kind of relationships is the only acceptable one and where caring is part of all gender identities.
I enjoy reading books like this one, which offers a more cultural/psychological explanation of how we perpetuate this capitalist, domination system that inevitably leads to crises. Having said that, I do think that it’s really important to connect it to the structural dynamics of capitalism and her book would make a much stronger case if she built on or at least referenced the ideas of some Marxist feminists or ecofeminists. Having said that, I did find the new language of partnership vs domination systems refreshing and insightful and can be maybe used for some audiences for whom Marxist analysis and language present an unsurmountable obstacle to creating a more critical, but also visionary worldview.
February 20, 2021
Eisler contends that the real wealth of nations is people and nature. She does an excellent job of proving her point with example after example and hammers home the fact that our current economic system is man-made, not pre-ordained. I fully agree with her contention that the inequality of our existing system rests on the most fundamental inequality of the majority of societies, that of valuing the masculine, and male characteristics, while devaluing the feminine, and female characteristics. She makes this claim while carefully distinguishing between men and women, as we all have some of both types of characteristics. Eisler suggests real actions that can be taken, from legislative to personal, and provides plenty of resources.
Unfortunately, because the book was written in 2007, some of those resources are outdated or no longer exist, and many of the statistics are obsolete. That is one of two downsides for me. The other is the way the words "partnership" and "caring" are used. I'm all for both, but struggled with them throughout as neither seems to accurately or efficiently label the type of society or economy Eisler calls for. I think that labeling the current system a "domination society" works well, but striving for "a partnership" system just doesn't work for me. Neither does naming the type of economy we need a "caring economy" as opposed to capitalism and socialism, though I do agree a new term is needed.
Eisler is a brilliant woman with a magnificent breadth and depth of knowledge and an inspiring commitment to creating a better world for all, not just by writing, but by taking action. Despite its minor flaws, this book is definitely worth a read.
Unfortunately, because the book was written in 2007, some of those resources are outdated or no longer exist, and many of the statistics are obsolete. That is one of two downsides for me. The other is the way the words "partnership" and "caring" are used. I'm all for both, but struggled with them throughout as neither seems to accurately or efficiently label the type of society or economy Eisler calls for. I think that labeling the current system a "domination society" works well, but striving for "a partnership" system just doesn't work for me. Neither does naming the type of economy we need a "caring economy" as opposed to capitalism and socialism, though I do agree a new term is needed.
Eisler is a brilliant woman with a magnificent breadth and depth of knowledge and an inspiring commitment to creating a better world for all, not just by writing, but by taking action. Despite its minor flaws, this book is definitely worth a read.
December 7, 2019
No review I could write would sufficiently cover the ground of this book. She creates a new world in practical and straight-forward fashion by making us all aware of the negative impacts of a dominator world view (vs. the partnership world view of her other books); by describing economic history and the effects of the devaluation of women's work of care and caregiving, by illustrating with multiple studies that elevating the status and value of women raises human standards of living around the world, and finally by charting a new way forward for that better world.
At this point in history, when we are seeing worldwide regression back to a dominator worldview, it is even more essential that we bring forward the positive benefits and elevation of all humankind through the partnership worldview.
We can change the world. This book clarifies how.
At this point in history, when we are seeing worldwide regression back to a dominator worldview, it is even more essential that we bring forward the positive benefits and elevation of all humankind through the partnership worldview.
We can change the world. This book clarifies how.
October 15, 2025
A fierce, masterful attack on the current capitalist economy, called the ‘domination system’.
Written by a social scientist, this book presents a prescription for 'caring economics' that assumes people truly matter. It is a bold and insightful look at how to create a world in which everyone can achieve the full measure of their humanity by creating 'partnerism': human interaction that goes beyond capitalism and socialism to recognize the essential economic value of actively involved working women, of caring for ourselves, others, and nature.
“When the status and power of women is greater, so also is the nation’s general quality of life; when they are lower, so is the quality of life for all.”
― Riane Eisler, The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics
Written by a social scientist, this book presents a prescription for 'caring economics' that assumes people truly matter. It is a bold and insightful look at how to create a world in which everyone can achieve the full measure of their humanity by creating 'partnerism': human interaction that goes beyond capitalism and socialism to recognize the essential economic value of actively involved working women, of caring for ourselves, others, and nature.
“When the status and power of women is greater, so also is the nation’s general quality of life; when they are lower, so is the quality of life for all.”
― Riane Eisler, The Real Wealth of Nations: Creating a Caring Economics
April 6, 2020
This book rocked my world.
It was a little dry in places and slightly repetitive but the ideas presented were mind blowing. This book should be required reading for anyone who wants to know why we struggle as a species to get our act together. Truly profound.
Thank you, Riane Eisler, for opening my eyes.
It was a little dry in places and slightly repetitive but the ideas presented were mind blowing. This book should be required reading for anyone who wants to know why we struggle as a species to get our act together. Truly profound.
Thank you, Riane Eisler, for opening my eyes.
July 12, 2019
The real wealth of nations is not just in our economic product but also in our capacity to care for each other, our children and our planet. I want to live in a world with a “caring” economy like the one Eisler describes. My second 5-star book by Riane Eisler. Can we make this required reading?
December 23, 2019
Somehow "the real wealth" is pumping the wealth from the pockets of the people who work into the pockets of preachers like Eisler. And once this process is done, the god of governance will spread heavenly gifts to everyone.
December 24, 2021
Phenomenal. Mind-blowing. A new economics that centers our natural resources and the currently unpaid child caring work of women. One of the most important books I've read in my life. I hope for this future.
May 16, 2022
More from Eisler on how to do away with domination in relationships, politics, etc.
Create a caring economics. Last chapter has many suggestions on how to start the shift from
domination to partnerships
Create a caring economics. Last chapter has many suggestions on how to start the shift from
domination to partnerships
January 24, 2019
Nonsense.
January 10, 2024
Best book I have ever read. The recipe to save the planet
Read
March 7, 2024Fundamental concept here is that an economy in which women (or anyone else) are not paid equally for valued contributions (e.g. raising children) is fundamentally broken.
Read
May 13, 2009Eisler's a good speaker, but the writing isn't of the best--often happens.
The main problem I have with this book is that it tends to dismiss alternatives. I don't know who has suggested paying people not to work, but I'd like to hear more about it--the idea is introduced but dismissed, without real discussion.
Likewise, Eisler seems unable to dismiss the idea of hierarchy as a social foundation. Hierarchies are inherently domination machines--if the alternative is chaos, maybe what we need is a little chaos.
Further, the people who're trying to reform the world seem united in discrimination against people who really are hermits by nature--and against those who are nocturnal. Eisler's no exception.
That said, there's a lot to arguments like that conventional economics regard the production of toxic waste as a credit (because it creates more work to clean it up), but regard caring for (say) children as an expense.
...If only a revised edition would take up matters like the waste of 'working' to and beyond capacities, and the abovementioned cavils...
The main problem I have with this book is that it tends to dismiss alternatives. I don't know who has suggested paying people not to work, but I'd like to hear more about it--the idea is introduced but dismissed, without real discussion.
Likewise, Eisler seems unable to dismiss the idea of hierarchy as a social foundation. Hierarchies are inherently domination machines--if the alternative is chaos, maybe what we need is a little chaos.
Further, the people who're trying to reform the world seem united in discrimination against people who really are hermits by nature--and against those who are nocturnal. Eisler's no exception.
That said, there's a lot to arguments like that conventional economics regard the production of toxic waste as a credit (because it creates more work to clean it up), but regard caring for (say) children as an expense.
...If only a revised edition would take up matters like the waste of 'working' to and beyond capacities, and the abovementioned cavils...
December 20, 2007
Honestly...can you say repetitious repetitious. Maybe this was because you usually have to repeat things to men before they hear?! I felt like that was kind of what she was saying but afraid to just come out and say it. Lots of teasing as if she were heading somewhere. Maybe I am biased because I my inner voice saying "No shit" "Duh" too many times....perhaps I use a lot of mental slang for one as enlightened as myself,...or to her credit, maybe my continually being treated like a substandard species at the piss on level on the totem pole is just not paranoia. I think a good read for those that have no clue on the reality of history(and I am terrible at history)...and good for some examples of how her ideas do work to some degree in some institutions and nations. I do think I will look into some of the sources she quotes and the websites to which she lists.
January 25, 2009
This book covered a lot of issues I've thought about before, but put it in a framework I had never really considered - economics. Overall, I thought the main idea was interesting, but felt I got the main message just from the first chapter and much of the rest was longer than it needed to be. I read this book because I heard her speak a few months ago and I'm glad I was introduced to her thinking even if I didn't love the book. I have The Chalice and the Blade on my short list of things to read next.
October 25, 2007
Riane Eisler will be in Portland, Oregon at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2007 to discuss The Real Wealth of Nations at:
First Unitarian Church of Portland
1011 SW 12th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503-228-6389
Link to PDX 1st UU Calendar Notice
First Unitarian Church of Portland
1011 SW 12th Avenue
Portland, OR 97205
503-228-6389
Link to PDX 1st UU Calendar Notice
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