Saving Capitalism: For the Many, Not the Few

Reich argues for a change in the rules governing political donations. Consider how new rules might work in practice, drawing on examples from other systems.

Reich discusses why the rules concerning market power, or monopoly, changed dramatically as technology advanced, until 2015. Analyze Reich’s argument with the benefit of hindsight, taking into account the ways in which technology has altered competition since 2015.

Since 2015, Reich has broadened his commentary on American political and economic systems and their effects onto social media through his organization Inequality Media. Watch some of this content. Does it alter your reading of Saving Capitalism? Do you think Reich’s stance has shifted at all? Why or why not?

Reich is a proponent of the minimum wage. Compare the model and amount of the minimum wage in the US to the other approaches of G7 nations. Which model would you adopt?

Read the first article of the US Declaration of Independence and consider the evidence in Saving Capitalism in light of its principles. To what extent to you think modern American models of capitalism help or hinder the realization of these principles?

Explain what Reich means by upward pre-distributions. How do these affect inequality?

Describe the nature of stakeholders and shareholders in a corporation. Do you see these groups as having overlapping or conflicting interests? Why?

Trace the history of trades unions in America. Do you agree with Reich that their influence is positive?