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Kapitalizmle Yuzlesmek
"Kapitalizm elestirisinden yana sikintimiz yok. Ancak elestiriyi yapan Philip Kotler oldugunda, kapitalizm sapkasini onune alip dusunmek zorunda!" Financial TimesEgemen sistemin kapitalizm oldugu cagimizda, ekonomik buyumenin yavasladigi bir donemden geciyoruz. Servetin kucuk bir azinligin ellerinde oldugu, dogal kaynaklarin kisa vadeli kir ugruna hor kullanildigi ise kimsenin inkir edemeyecegi yalin gercekler. Hem geliskin Batili ekonomiler hem de gelismekte olan ulkeler yoksulluk, yayginlasan otomasyon karsisinda dusen istihdam, agir butce aciklari ve cevresel maliyetler gibi sorunlarla bogusuyor. Pazarlama ve yonetim gurusu Philip Kotler, Kapitalizmle Yuzlesmek'te sistemin kuresel capta karsi karsiya bulundugu problemleri 14 maddede ele alarak, hem sorunlarin yapisini hem de cozum onerilerini siraliyor.Iktisat tarihinden, uzman goruslerinden ve guncel verilerden beslenen elinizdeki kitap, saglikli ve surdurulebilir bir ekonomik sisteme ulasma yolunda onemli dersler iceriyor.(Tanitim Bulteninden)Sayfa Sayisi: 260Baski Yili: 2015Dili: TurkceYayinevi: Mediacat Yayincilik
260 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2015
42 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Philip Kotler
747 books1,339 followersProfessor Kotler's book, Marketing Management, is the world's most widely used graduate level textbook in marketing. His other textbooks include Principles of Marketing and management: An Introduction and they are also widely used around the world.
Kotler developed new concepts in marketing including atmospherics, demarketing, megamarketing, turbomarketing and synchromarketing. He believes that marketing theory needs to go beyond price theory and incorporate the dynamics of innovation, distribution and promotion systems into analyzing, explaining and predicting economic outcomes.
Kotler has worked for many large companies in the areas of marketing strategy, planning and organization, and international marketing.
He presents seminars in major international cities and countries around the world on the latest marketing developments to companies and other organizations.
"He is the father of Marketing Management".
(Wikipedia)
Kotler developed new concepts in marketing including atmospherics, demarketing, megamarketing, turbomarketing and synchromarketing. He believes that marketing theory needs to go beyond price theory and incorporate the dynamics of innovation, distribution and promotion systems into analyzing, explaining and predicting economic outcomes.
Kotler has worked for many large companies in the areas of marketing strategy, planning and organization, and international marketing.
He presents seminars in major international cities and countries around the world on the latest marketing developments to companies and other organizations.
"He is the father of Marketing Management".
(Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
November 26, 2017
Like anyone who has ever studied business, I read Philip Kotler for marketing class. I think I still have the book. So when such a high-profile figure writes a book like this, it's a must read. It also has the benefit of being concise, unlike Thomas Piketty's book which remains unread on my bookshelf.
Philip Kotler delves into the fourteen weaknesses of capitalism:
1. Proposes little or no solution to persistent poverty
2. Generates a growing level of income inequality
3. Fails to pay a living wage to billions of workers
4. Not enough human jobs in the face of growing automation
5. Doesn’t charge businesses with the full social costs of their activities
6. Exploits the environment and natural resources in the absence of regulation
7. Creates business cycles and economic instability
8. Emphasizes individualism and self-interest at the expense of community and the commons
9. Encourages high consumer debt and leads to a growing financially-driven rather than producer-driven economy
10. Lets politicians and business interests collaborate to subvert the economic interests of the majority of citizens
11. Favors short-run profit planning over long-run investment planning
12. Should have regulations regarding product quality, safety, truth in advertising, and anti-competitive behavior
13. Tends to focus narrowly on GDP growth
14. Needs to bring social values and happiness into the market equation.
Each of these topics are dealt with deftly and quickly. One of the most important points is that the middle class is the driver of 70% of the American economy. So if their income is reduced, recession will eventually follow. The top 1% do not spend their wealth on things, so easing their tax burden does not help the economy. Paying the undeducated working class better would also speed up the economy, because every dollar more earned would be put back into circulation.
This is a brilliant book that everyone should read. It makes a strong case for a "soft" capitalism rather than a "free-hand" market. Whole-heartedly recommended.
Philip Kotler delves into the fourteen weaknesses of capitalism:
1. Proposes little or no solution to persistent poverty
2. Generates a growing level of income inequality
3. Fails to pay a living wage to billions of workers
4. Not enough human jobs in the face of growing automation
5. Doesn’t charge businesses with the full social costs of their activities
6. Exploits the environment and natural resources in the absence of regulation
7. Creates business cycles and economic instability
8. Emphasizes individualism and self-interest at the expense of community and the commons
9. Encourages high consumer debt and leads to a growing financially-driven rather than producer-driven economy
10. Lets politicians and business interests collaborate to subvert the economic interests of the majority of citizens
11. Favors short-run profit planning over long-run investment planning
12. Should have regulations regarding product quality, safety, truth in advertising, and anti-competitive behavior
13. Tends to focus narrowly on GDP growth
14. Needs to bring social values and happiness into the market equation.
Each of these topics are dealt with deftly and quickly. One of the most important points is that the middle class is the driver of 70% of the American economy. So if their income is reduced, recession will eventually follow. The top 1% do not spend their wealth on things, so easing their tax burden does not help the economy. Paying the undeducated working class better would also speed up the economy, because every dollar more earned would be put back into circulation.
This is a brilliant book that everyone should read. It makes a strong case for a "soft" capitalism rather than a "free-hand" market. Whole-heartedly recommended.
June 25, 2015
Confronting Capitalism brings a fresh perspective on what capitalism is and how different variations of it are in existence in the world today. It provides an overview of what the subject is about so readers who are not acquainted much with the subject will be able to understand what is being discussed. This is followed by 14 chapters which correspond to the problems with this economic system and proposed solutions for each problem.
One of the things that I like in this book is the simplicity in writing employed by the author. I was expecting that it would include several concepts written in a way that only those who have PhDs in economics would understand. Fortunately, this book is written like the author is speaking to a friend who is just curious to know about this prevailing economic system.
Moreover, each chapter includes the proposed solutions for the different economic pitfalls provided in the book. The solutions are meant to stir thinking rather than a compilation of quick fixes. The problems of capitalism are not simple and therefore require delicate balance on whatever approach are taken to solve it.
On the other hand, I can say that this book is not entirely neutral. When you read this book, you also see the biases of the author towards several issues. However, I can say that the author provided justice by explaining both sides of the issues as much as possible. You may never agree on some of his view points as I don't agree with some but certainly this book will make you think about the issues.
As far as to whom I would recommend this book, I would say that politicians, businessmen, entrepreneurs, lobbyists, and others who have an interest in the way our economic system works should buy and read this book.
Overall, this is a great read. The book tackles multiple issues with such conciseness that I would very much want to dig deeper and read more books about the issues provided.
One of the things that I like in this book is the simplicity in writing employed by the author. I was expecting that it would include several concepts written in a way that only those who have PhDs in economics would understand. Fortunately, this book is written like the author is speaking to a friend who is just curious to know about this prevailing economic system.
Moreover, each chapter includes the proposed solutions for the different economic pitfalls provided in the book. The solutions are meant to stir thinking rather than a compilation of quick fixes. The problems of capitalism are not simple and therefore require delicate balance on whatever approach are taken to solve it.
On the other hand, I can say that this book is not entirely neutral. When you read this book, you also see the biases of the author towards several issues. However, I can say that the author provided justice by explaining both sides of the issues as much as possible. You may never agree on some of his view points as I don't agree with some but certainly this book will make you think about the issues.
As far as to whom I would recommend this book, I would say that politicians, businessmen, entrepreneurs, lobbyists, and others who have an interest in the way our economic system works should buy and read this book.
Overall, this is a great read. The book tackles multiple issues with such conciseness that I would very much want to dig deeper and read more books about the issues provided.
February 20, 2018
This is not some gray ponytail suggesting we tear down the system, but merely to recognize that there are some issues with capitalism that have developed over time and we should be more engaged in grappling with them.
Kottler is a marketing professor, and he recognizes that the maturation of the free market system has created the worlds of marketing and advertising and generally inconceivably complex concepts of shadow finance, and they all add up to screwing with the invisible hand that Adam Smith told us about.
The bottom line is that we have reached a point in which society seems to be a reflection of the worst, most unsightly aspects of unbridled greed-driven capitalism, and there should be much more than that.
Essentially, he breaks down what he identifies as 14 problems with capitalism (income inequality, persistent poverty, environmental issues, for instance) and makes suggestions that seem only remotely possible in our current political climate. What's worse is that he wrote it before the Trumpeter and his merry band of followers took over the regulatory apparatus, leaving us with no hope for the next four years (although we can hold our breath for two years and see what happens).
Yet, it's such a sad state of affairs when Kottler's fundamental premise -- that a capitalistic society like ours, with such wealth all around us, "should lead to a broad level of happiness and well-being in its citizens" -- comes across as an explosive political statement, rather than an economic reality.
He says he's a an optimist, but that seems to be a bit of a stretch. At least for me. At least for now.
Kottler is a marketing professor, and he recognizes that the maturation of the free market system has created the worlds of marketing and advertising and generally inconceivably complex concepts of shadow finance, and they all add up to screwing with the invisible hand that Adam Smith told us about.
The bottom line is that we have reached a point in which society seems to be a reflection of the worst, most unsightly aspects of unbridled greed-driven capitalism, and there should be much more than that.
Essentially, he breaks down what he identifies as 14 problems with capitalism (income inequality, persistent poverty, environmental issues, for instance) and makes suggestions that seem only remotely possible in our current political climate. What's worse is that he wrote it before the Trumpeter and his merry band of followers took over the regulatory apparatus, leaving us with no hope for the next four years (although we can hold our breath for two years and see what happens).
Yet, it's such a sad state of affairs when Kottler's fundamental premise -- that a capitalistic society like ours, with such wealth all around us, "should lead to a broad level of happiness and well-being in its citizens" -- comes across as an explosive political statement, rather than an economic reality.
He says he's a an optimist, but that seems to be a bit of a stretch. At least for me. At least for now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2016
Highly distinguished, Professor Kotler has written here a book reviewing some of the problems with our capitalistic system: inequality of wealth, environmental damage, poverty, etc. and offers some solutions. I think while he did a very succinct and clear review over the challenges, his solutions were less clear. Also, I think this book is entertaining (if you like economics of the liberal bent) but it’s not very different from the stream of other books on the topic, albeit perhaps this book being more clear and to the point. If you have not read many books of similar ilk, then you can start here.
May 11, 2016
boring
August 9, 2020
Avevo letto e apprezzato marketing 4.0
Questo non è per nulla all’altezza. Di una banalità sconcertante. Chiacchiere da bar
Questo non è per nulla all’altezza. Di una banalità sconcertante. Chiacchiere da bar
October 8, 2020
Confronting Capitalism: Real Solutions for a Troubled Economic System by Philip Kotler is a contemporary look at American Capitalism. Kotler studied at DePaul, earned his Masters from the University of Chicago and his Ph.D. in economics from MIT. He studied under three Nobel laureates: Milton Friedman, Paul Samuelson, Robert Solow. Kotler is currently the S. C. Johnson Distinguished Professor of International Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
In earning my Masters in International Relations, I was required to take economics at the graduate level as well as going back to take the undergraduate courses to complete my degree. In my experience economics was dry and focused on theory rather than the effects -- the supply and demand curve rather than the real world effects of capitalism. In political science capitalism was just accepted as the only working system because we won the cold war. Communism was dead, even though it never really existed. Capitalism is the same. Ayn Rand called capitalism the unknown ideal believing that it was never truly tested. It was always interfered with by government. The result was two systems that never existed, in fact, but one claimed to be the winner.
The second problem with economics is that it is indeed very complex in the real world. However, many people’s understanding of it comes from sound bites on the news or political commentators. A few might even aspire to read Ayn Rand’s fiction, but almost no one has read Adam Smith all the way through or for that matter Marx. We live in a country, which in the world view, sees very little difference between our political parties, yet people call the two major parties socialist and capitalist/fascist. Our economic viewpoints wax and wane on how well the economy is doing at the moment.
Confronting Capitalism does something I have not seen before. It takes economics and puts it on a practical human scale. It discusses the things that the victor of the Cold War would rather not mention, the very real flaws of the system. Kotler brings to the table fourteen of these problems. They include the boom-bust cycles, damage to the environment and limited natural resources, persistent poverty, personal debt burden, unemployment caused by automation, the influence of wealth on government, and the growing concentration of wealth into the hands of the few. These are all real aspects of economics that affect the common person.
Kotler in plain words and clarity explains what is ailing our system. It is not an attack on capitalism but something more like a doctor’s visit. Much like a doctor examining an overweight smoker, Kotler does not condemn the system but rather points out the problems and offers serious solutions -- quit smoking, eat healthier, exercise so you can become stronger and live longer. Kotler keeps his attention on practical matters. Instead of awarding CEO’s bonus for yearly gains, focus on long term growth. Short term growth creates an unstable system that works on cutting workers, quality, and what ever else that can increase short term profit. He gives examples of other companies that focus on the long term and still make profits.
Confronting Capitalism also looks to balance. Unrestricted capitalism is much like Rand’s Unknown Ideal, unknown. What we fail to recognize is that the government has been involved in the economy since the beginning of the country. One of the first major issues with our new country was the Whisky Rebellion -- taxes. We like to think the West was settled solely with rugged individualism, but it was the government that granted tracts of land to the railroads which opened the West. Eisenhower used the federal government to create the interstate highway system. Between the two of those systems most of our industry and consumer goods flow. The government has always been involved in the economy.
Kotler gives a centrist view on capitalism. He presents what is right and what is wrong with the current system. What separates Confronting Capitalism from other economics books is the author’s style and method. Kotler is very clear and concise in his writing and writes so that he is understood by the general public. It is economics for the masses, but without any dumbing down. What Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawkings did and do for science Kotler does for economics. It is this type of clear thinking that is needed to get American’s to understand economics as a system and not an isolated issue. An outstanding read.
In earning my Masters in International Relations, I was required to take economics at the graduate level as well as going back to take the undergraduate courses to complete my degree. In my experience economics was dry and focused on theory rather than the effects -- the supply and demand curve rather than the real world effects of capitalism. In political science capitalism was just accepted as the only working system because we won the cold war. Communism was dead, even though it never really existed. Capitalism is the same. Ayn Rand called capitalism the unknown ideal believing that it was never truly tested. It was always interfered with by government. The result was two systems that never existed, in fact, but one claimed to be the winner.
The second problem with economics is that it is indeed very complex in the real world. However, many people’s understanding of it comes from sound bites on the news or political commentators. A few might even aspire to read Ayn Rand’s fiction, but almost no one has read Adam Smith all the way through or for that matter Marx. We live in a country, which in the world view, sees very little difference between our political parties, yet people call the two major parties socialist and capitalist/fascist. Our economic viewpoints wax and wane on how well the economy is doing at the moment.
Confronting Capitalism does something I have not seen before. It takes economics and puts it on a practical human scale. It discusses the things that the victor of the Cold War would rather not mention, the very real flaws of the system. Kotler brings to the table fourteen of these problems. They include the boom-bust cycles, damage to the environment and limited natural resources, persistent poverty, personal debt burden, unemployment caused by automation, the influence of wealth on government, and the growing concentration of wealth into the hands of the few. These are all real aspects of economics that affect the common person.
Kotler in plain words and clarity explains what is ailing our system. It is not an attack on capitalism but something more like a doctor’s visit. Much like a doctor examining an overweight smoker, Kotler does not condemn the system but rather points out the problems and offers serious solutions -- quit smoking, eat healthier, exercise so you can become stronger and live longer. Kotler keeps his attention on practical matters. Instead of awarding CEO’s bonus for yearly gains, focus on long term growth. Short term growth creates an unstable system that works on cutting workers, quality, and what ever else that can increase short term profit. He gives examples of other companies that focus on the long term and still make profits.
Confronting Capitalism also looks to balance. Unrestricted capitalism is much like Rand’s Unknown Ideal, unknown. What we fail to recognize is that the government has been involved in the economy since the beginning of the country. One of the first major issues with our new country was the Whisky Rebellion -- taxes. We like to think the West was settled solely with rugged individualism, but it was the government that granted tracts of land to the railroads which opened the West. Eisenhower used the federal government to create the interstate highway system. Between the two of those systems most of our industry and consumer goods flow. The government has always been involved in the economy.
Kotler gives a centrist view on capitalism. He presents what is right and what is wrong with the current system. What separates Confronting Capitalism from other economics books is the author’s style and method. Kotler is very clear and concise in his writing and writes so that he is understood by the general public. It is economics for the masses, but without any dumbing down. What Carl Sagan and Stephen Hawkings did and do for science Kotler does for economics. It is this type of clear thinking that is needed to get American’s to understand economics as a system and not an isolated issue. An outstanding read.
December 22, 2017
Not just pointing out flaws
Kotler's book is not an anti-capitalist screed or polemic. This is an accessible summary of the flaws that have crept into modern capitalism and threaten to upend it.
While many books that follow this line suggest that capitalism ought to be done away with it severely restrained, Philip Kotler offers 14 specific ways that our economic system needs help and ends as an unabashed fan who believes capitalism has done more good than harm, but, and it's a big but, time is not on our side.
Kotler's book is not an anti-capitalist screed or polemic. This is an accessible summary of the flaws that have crept into modern capitalism and threaten to upend it.
While many books that follow this line suggest that capitalism ought to be done away with it severely restrained, Philip Kotler offers 14 specific ways that our economic system needs help and ends as an unabashed fan who believes capitalism has done more good than harm, but, and it's a big but, time is not on our side.
February 7, 2024
Should be called ‘Confronting Capitalism (in the US)’
I was really excited to read this book, from one of the important figure in Marketing, talking about an important global issue.
Sadly, the book focuses heavily in the US, and most of the proposed solutions aren’t new, given that the book is now almost a decade old.
I was really excited to read this book, from one of the important figure in Marketing, talking about an important global issue.
Sadly, the book focuses heavily in the US, and most of the proposed solutions aren’t new, given that the book is now almost a decade old.
June 15, 2025
Gostei muito deste livro. Não posso dizer que concordo com tudo o que o autor defende mas concordo com a maior parte das ideias. Contudo, sinto algum desânimo ao perceber que pouco ou nada adianta ao cidadão comum ler este livro pois o poder está nas mãos dos Governantes deste mundo e seriam eles quem deveria ler esta obra e por em prática os seus ensinamentos.
November 4, 2018
I’m glad that the author claims to remain optimistic as he identifies and discusses fourteen shortcomings of capitalism, because I was not so sanguine. He’s spot on regarding the economic challenges we face; I only hope he’s as correct about our ability to overcome them.
February 20, 2021
This book will keep conservatives like me honest. Though I question the validity of some of his proposed solutions, I can’t deny the problems he presents. I recommend the read for anyone who can keep an open mind and maintain sharp discernment.
November 18, 2017
“Here’s a list of all the things I don’t like about capitalism. Each list is comprised of further lists which are in turn more lists.” No real call to action, just lists
April 27, 2021
Warning. After reading this, you may feel voting lefties for a while ;)
May 17, 2020
Cộng hoà xã hội chủ nghĩa Việt Nam quang vinh muôn năm !!!
January 24, 2015
For many Philp Kotler, marketing guru and scholar par excellence, needs no introduction. Now his laser-focussed analytical mind has been cast over the thorny economic issue of capitalism.
Even if you are not an economics nerd you are in for a real treat with this book that feels oh-so-short yet it really does cram in a lot of readable, digestible information. Kotler considers 14 major problems that he says undermine capitalism, such as job creation, debt burdens, wealth disparity and economic cycles, explaining clearly and patiently the issues with crystal-clear clarity.
We are not in a hopeless, no-win situation, however claims Kotler, pointing out that many initiatives could be implemented, combining private and public efforts into a force for positive change. That is the easy part. Convincing those with the levers of power to put away their self-interest or myopia might be something else.
Many corporations wield more power and influence than national governments. The combined value of the world’s 200 largest companies account for about 28% of the world’s total gross domestic product (GDP).
Many companies are effectively larger than countries when comparing revenues to GDP. Wal-Mart is larger than Norway, Exxon Mobile is larger than Thailand, and General Electric is larger than New Zealand. Harnessing group think and social responsibility can be a challenge. Kotler notes that because so many city, state and national governments are cash poor, they are selling normal government functions to private firms. Where will it end? One day could there be a return to the old “company towns” but in a new guise: a country effectively owned by a cabal of a few too-big-to-challenge mega corporations?
It is worthy to reproduce Kotler’s fourteen stated shortcoming of capitalism, whereby he believes that capitalism: proposes little or no solution to persisting poverty: generates a growing level of income and wealth inequality; fails to pay a living wage to billions of workers; may not provide enough human jobs in the face of growing automation; doesn’t charge businesses with the full social costs of their activities; exploits the environment and natural resources in the absence of regulation; creates business cycles and economic instability; emphasizes individualism and self-interest at the expense of community and the commons; encourages high consumer debt and leads to a growing financially driven rather than producer-driven economy; lets politicians and business interests collaborate to subvert the economic interests of the majority of citizens; favours short-run profit planning over long-run investment planning; should have regulations regarding product quality, safety, truth in advertising, and anticompetitive behaviour; tends to focus narrowly on GDP growth and needs to bring social values and happiness into the market equation. Ouch! Where’s the good news?
A further shameful, damning indictment is that about five billion of the world’s seven billion citizens are either poor or extremely poor, often lacking food, energy, education, healthcare and any real prospect of a future. It doesn’t need the extreme of a socialist utopia to see the inequality, whereby even a doubling of their daily income – a dollar or two – could make a real, transformed difference. Kotler notes that poverty pours its poison on the rest of mankind. A claim that is sadly hard to deny. There is no automatic correlation between economic growth and economic development. Kotler shows the example of the African country of Angola, where its GDP grew by 20% yet poverty increased substantially - much of the higher GDP flowed into the pockets of the ruling elites and their relatives and friends.
A review cannot do this book justice. There’s just so much data, whether it is low pay, executive compensation, tax laws and inequalities or even national bureaucracies, Kotler cuts right the bone. It isn’t pleasant reading on many levels, even for someone who prides himself on being reasonably well informed about world events and happenings.
Who really should not read this book at least once and digest its contents? Those who have even the remotest connection to the levers of power should be locked in a room and forced to digest Kotler’s analysis and act upon it. The rest of us should use it as a means of seeking change. Capitalism need not be bad. It just needs a bit of a tweak here and there. Are we prepared to try and get things changed? Changed before it might be too late!
Confronting Capitalism, written by Philip Kotler and published by AMACOM. ISBN 9780814436455, 256 pages. YYYYY
Even if you are not an economics nerd you are in for a real treat with this book that feels oh-so-short yet it really does cram in a lot of readable, digestible information. Kotler considers 14 major problems that he says undermine capitalism, such as job creation, debt burdens, wealth disparity and economic cycles, explaining clearly and patiently the issues with crystal-clear clarity.
We are not in a hopeless, no-win situation, however claims Kotler, pointing out that many initiatives could be implemented, combining private and public efforts into a force for positive change. That is the easy part. Convincing those with the levers of power to put away their self-interest or myopia might be something else.
Many corporations wield more power and influence than national governments. The combined value of the world’s 200 largest companies account for about 28% of the world’s total gross domestic product (GDP).
Many companies are effectively larger than countries when comparing revenues to GDP. Wal-Mart is larger than Norway, Exxon Mobile is larger than Thailand, and General Electric is larger than New Zealand. Harnessing group think and social responsibility can be a challenge. Kotler notes that because so many city, state and national governments are cash poor, they are selling normal government functions to private firms. Where will it end? One day could there be a return to the old “company towns” but in a new guise: a country effectively owned by a cabal of a few too-big-to-challenge mega corporations?
It is worthy to reproduce Kotler’s fourteen stated shortcoming of capitalism, whereby he believes that capitalism: proposes little or no solution to persisting poverty: generates a growing level of income and wealth inequality; fails to pay a living wage to billions of workers; may not provide enough human jobs in the face of growing automation; doesn’t charge businesses with the full social costs of their activities; exploits the environment and natural resources in the absence of regulation; creates business cycles and economic instability; emphasizes individualism and self-interest at the expense of community and the commons; encourages high consumer debt and leads to a growing financially driven rather than producer-driven economy; lets politicians and business interests collaborate to subvert the economic interests of the majority of citizens; favours short-run profit planning over long-run investment planning; should have regulations regarding product quality, safety, truth in advertising, and anticompetitive behaviour; tends to focus narrowly on GDP growth and needs to bring social values and happiness into the market equation. Ouch! Where’s the good news?
A further shameful, damning indictment is that about five billion of the world’s seven billion citizens are either poor or extremely poor, often lacking food, energy, education, healthcare and any real prospect of a future. It doesn’t need the extreme of a socialist utopia to see the inequality, whereby even a doubling of their daily income – a dollar or two – could make a real, transformed difference. Kotler notes that poverty pours its poison on the rest of mankind. A claim that is sadly hard to deny. There is no automatic correlation between economic growth and economic development. Kotler shows the example of the African country of Angola, where its GDP grew by 20% yet poverty increased substantially - much of the higher GDP flowed into the pockets of the ruling elites and their relatives and friends.
A review cannot do this book justice. There’s just so much data, whether it is low pay, executive compensation, tax laws and inequalities or even national bureaucracies, Kotler cuts right the bone. It isn’t pleasant reading on many levels, even for someone who prides himself on being reasonably well informed about world events and happenings.
Who really should not read this book at least once and digest its contents? Those who have even the remotest connection to the levers of power should be locked in a room and forced to digest Kotler’s analysis and act upon it. The rest of us should use it as a means of seeking change. Capitalism need not be bad. It just needs a bit of a tweak here and there. Are we prepared to try and get things changed? Changed before it might be too late!
Confronting Capitalism, written by Philip Kotler and published by AMACOM. ISBN 9780814436455, 256 pages. YYYYY
May 3, 2015
*I won an ARC of this book on Goodreads*
This book was a good overview of capitalism and consumerism. In college, I took a class on consumerism and read Veblin and the likes, so this book was right up my alley. It also seems like a timely book with the recession, consumer and student debt increasing, decreased consumer confidence and the upcoming elections where Bernie Sanders in particular has promised to go after "big business."
Ok, enough of that, onto the review:
The book was very easy and enjoyable to read, something that is not easy accomplish when writing about capitalism. I liked that Kotler discussed the issues with capitalism but seems to still support it, given the alternatives, and I reluctantly agree. My only complaint is that he doesn't "wrap up" the book in a way that left me satisfied. The second to last chapter talks about minimalism, curbing consumption, and managing debt but doesn't address what we, as consumers, can actually do to better the system. The book just leaves me with the impression of "that's the way it is". Which is both true and not true. (I personally am a self-proclaimed minimalist and by that I mean I have no debt, I only buy what I need, if I truly "need" something, I try to buy it used first, and if that's not an option, I support small, local businesses when feasible. I feel like this is the best way to disengage from "the system")
I also at times felt like I was reading a dissertation or thesis as opposed to a book, but maybe that's just me. Overall, I would say this is a good introduction to capitalism...it doesn't go so in depth that you get lost and confused and just want to put the book down, but it's simple enough for the average layman to read and possibly even enjoy.
This book was a good overview of capitalism and consumerism. In college, I took a class on consumerism and read Veblin and the likes, so this book was right up my alley. It also seems like a timely book with the recession, consumer and student debt increasing, decreased consumer confidence and the upcoming elections where Bernie Sanders in particular has promised to go after "big business."
Ok, enough of that, onto the review:
The book was very easy and enjoyable to read, something that is not easy accomplish when writing about capitalism. I liked that Kotler discussed the issues with capitalism but seems to still support it, given the alternatives, and I reluctantly agree. My only complaint is that he doesn't "wrap up" the book in a way that left me satisfied. The second to last chapter talks about minimalism, curbing consumption, and managing debt but doesn't address what we, as consumers, can actually do to better the system. The book just leaves me with the impression of "that's the way it is". Which is both true and not true. (I personally am a self-proclaimed minimalist and by that I mean I have no debt, I only buy what I need, if I truly "need" something, I try to buy it used first, and if that's not an option, I support small, local businesses when feasible. I feel like this is the best way to disengage from "the system")
I also at times felt like I was reading a dissertation or thesis as opposed to a book, but maybe that's just me. Overall, I would say this is a good introduction to capitalism...it doesn't go so in depth that you get lost and confused and just want to put the book down, but it's simple enough for the average layman to read and possibly even enjoy.
October 5, 2016
I received a copy of this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. The book was in the form of an uncorrected proof, so what I have to say might not entirely reflect the published version.
Confronting Capitalism is a very good primer on the many drawbacks of unfettered capitalism. Unlike many books dealing with economics, it's written entirely in accessible language that the layman will be able to parse without any trouble. Philip Kotler outlines a number of problems with the current marriage of politics and big business, and provides a variety of large-scale solutions that a society can utilize to mitigate them. It's an ideal book for people currently in or intending to enter either the governmental or corporate worlds, giving them a number of policies to pursue in their careers.
Unfortunately, the book doesn't provide a guide for what the average citizen could do to influence public policy. I learned some new information from reading this book, but it's also a bit depressing to see all of the problems outlined without my being able to do much of anything to pursue the given solutions. Some of the chapters also seem a bit too sort for their subjects, the author likely not having as much experience in those areas compared to chapters which are three times as long.
I'd recommend the book for people who are generally interested in alternatives to the current form of capitalism at work in the United States, especially students of economics or political science. For a more general audience I would have liked to have seen more suggestions for what the average person on the street can do to deal with the pressing issues described.
Confronting Capitalism is a very good primer on the many drawbacks of unfettered capitalism. Unlike many books dealing with economics, it's written entirely in accessible language that the layman will be able to parse without any trouble. Philip Kotler outlines a number of problems with the current marriage of politics and big business, and provides a variety of large-scale solutions that a society can utilize to mitigate them. It's an ideal book for people currently in or intending to enter either the governmental or corporate worlds, giving them a number of policies to pursue in their careers.
Unfortunately, the book doesn't provide a guide for what the average citizen could do to influence public policy. I learned some new information from reading this book, but it's also a bit depressing to see all of the problems outlined without my being able to do much of anything to pursue the given solutions. Some of the chapters also seem a bit too sort for their subjects, the author likely not having as much experience in those areas compared to chapters which are three times as long.
I'd recommend the book for people who are generally interested in alternatives to the current form of capitalism at work in the United States, especially students of economics or political science. For a more general audience I would have liked to have seen more suggestions for what the average person on the street can do to deal with the pressing issues described.
Read
January 29, 2015This book purports to discuss the shortcomings of capitalism.but most of its complaints arise from failures of government interacting with capitalism. This isn't capitalism. Sadly, the author even recognizes this problem early on and mentions crony capitalism but then seems to forget this distinction as he goes on (even in his chapter about how politics can distort economies). The author cites things like poverty and rising income inequality as problems of capitalism. What he fails to recognize is that where there is capitalism, there is wealth. Where there is government controlled economies, there is poverty. Also, he cites Piketty's work from this summer without acknowledging that what Piketty did was layout a road map for getting wealthy (it's okay, not many people viewed Piketty's work that way). If you want to get wealthy, get become an owner of capital. If you don't want to get wealthy, then just whine about it. If I use this book in class, it will be to illustrate flawed thinking.
September 30, 2016
Its a great topic - underlying and related to so many current issues. The book outlines the problems with capitalism - its fine if you just want an outline. It offers solutions too but for me the problems and solutions need discussing and analysis in some more depth. 2 or 3 paragraphs per issue is too lite. That said, the author speaks with authority (though a layman may say blind Freddy could pick that something ain't right with things).
So I will look out for a slightly weightier time on this subject, trying to avoid for now the really heavyweight capitalism critics such as Picketty at 700 pages.
So I will look out for a slightly weightier time on this subject, trying to avoid for now the really heavyweight capitalism critics such as Picketty at 700 pages.
June 15, 2015
Economics is one of the most difficult social sciences to understand. Economist Philip Kotler has done an outstanding job explaining capitalism and outlines his 14 point plan to make it more beneficial to everyone. Highly recommended. I spoke with Philip Kotler about his book and that conversation is available here: http://dougmilesmedia.com/?p=1484.
April 14, 2016
Gunumuz dunya ekonomisinin isleyisi ve sorunlari uzerine iliskilerin guzel kuruldugu bir kitap. Kapitalizmin hastalikli taraflari ve birbirine baglantili sorunlari kusbakisi gorebiliyoruz. Cozum onerilerine gelince kimi sorunlarin oyle derin oldugu anlasiliyor ki cozumleri konusunda iyimser dusunemiyorum.
Read
September 25, 2015I didn't finish this book. It seemed interesting, but I just stopped caring partway through. Social systems come and go, and I just lost interest in reading about it I guess. Book seemed fine, though, if your interest level in the subject is there.
December 1, 2015
A concise and compelling critique of capitalism in the 21st century. Many of the points Kotler brings up are quite relevant, although some are fairly intuitive. A solid read, though.
July 2, 2015
Confronting Capitalism, by Philip Kotler is brilliant. A mandatory "must read" for high school and college students.
Currently reading
August 9, 201610 page chapter on environment including a page or two on climate change
chapter on setting right (slow) growth rate
evils of advertising and consumerism
chapter on setting right (slow) growth rate
evils of advertising and consumerism
January 9, 2017
Elegant and well written, this book presents the capitalism, its main problems and possible solutions.
I desagree with many author's ideas, but it is undeniable that he raises some good points.
I desagree with many author's ideas, but it is undeniable that he raises some good points.
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