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Review of Dumas, Lloyd J., Building the Good Society. The Power and Limits of Markets, Democracy and Freedom in an Increasingly Polarized World, Emerald Publishing, 2020, xiv+228 pp., hb, ISBN 978-1-83867-632-2
A momentary synopsis of the past as well as more recent events provide countless sequences of reasons to question the ability of current social and economic framework to provide for an ideal living environment. Even though, sometimes it seems that the prominent opinion is that we must settle with present circumstances, fortunately, an increasing number of viewpoints insistently claim for finding more effective remedies and better alternatives. Cautiously avoiding utopian attitudes, Building the Good Society stands as sensible endeavour to find the optimal path toward a good society as achievable destination rather than idealistic place. However, this path is not straightforward nor undemanding, as the author masterfully sets the scene in which we are presently by choosing a highly meaningful sub-title: we are living in a progressively divided society that could only be restored to health by understanding the restraints and abilities of democracy, market and freedom. Although not clearly stated anywhere in the text, the resemblance with Galbraith's The Affluent Society is evident enough to be more than plain coincidence. Moreover, one might further notice this similarity when it comes to writing strategy: both authors master the ability to render an efficient blend of positive and normative approaches [1].
From the very onset, by means of a compelling introduction, it becomes apparent that this book is not a mere story about economy, there is more to it than that - it is a strong argument for a broader and more open minded outlook on society that should integrate multiple and diverse perspectives. Moreover, this book is about contemporary society as a whole, a complex and, every so often, divergent society that features a particular set of limits as well as opportunities. The main hypothesis on which the analytical structure is built upon follows the traditional institutional framework: institutions and organizations are the building bedrock of the social fabric while attitudes are subtle constituents that shape institutions. Lloyd J. Dumas not only shows an acumen for a deep understanding of social and economic issues, but, at the same time, he proves an extraordinary audacity...