by Moshe Adler. Academic Adler sets out to explain the key concepts and theories of mainstream economics and less-known alternatives. The book considers the two cornerstones of economics. One is economic efficiency and its definition, which at one time included distribution of income but now focuses upon free markets, ruling out government intervention to decrease inequality. The second cornerstone, what a worker earns, is not based on the value of an individual's contribution to production, which the author contends is a flawed concept; wages are determined by the power workers possess or do not possess at the bargaining table, and Adler points to CEOs' obscene compensation, which he concludes is awarded because they work for shareholders who are too numerous and lack control. Everyone will not agree with the author, but he makes thoughtful arguments intended for educated readers who are not schooled in economics. --Booklist
(Check catalog)
