The Market Economy and Christian Ethics

by Peter H. Sedgwick

Overview

Peter Sedgwick explores the relation of a theology of justice to that of human identity in the context of the market economy, and engages with critics of capitalism and the market. He examines three aspects of the market economy: first, how does it shape personal identity, through consumption and the experience of paid employment in relation to the work ethic? Second, what impact does the global economy have on local cultures? Finally, as manufacturing changes out of all recognition through the impact of technology and global competition, what is the effect in terms of poverty? Drawing on the response of the Catholic Church, both in the United States and in papal encyclicals, to the market economy from 1985–1991, Sedgwick argues that its involvement deserves to be better known. Moreover, he recommends that the Churches remain part of the debate in reforming and humanizing the market economy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521470483
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/07/1999
Series:	New Studies in Christian Ethics , #14
Pages:	340
Product dimensions:	5.79(w) x 8.82(h) x 0.94(d)
Lexile:	1360L (what's this?)

About the Author

Peter Sedgwick is Principal of St Michael's College, Llandaff, Wales. He is a specialist in Christian ethics, especially in the areas of work and criminal justice. He teaches at Cardiff University in this area. He is also moderator of Church and Society, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, and is an Anglican priest.

Table of Contents

General editor's preface; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Modernity, the market and human identity; 2. Consumerism and personal identity; 3. The work ethic; 4. Globalization; 5. The response of the churches; 6. Concluding reflections; Notes; Select bibliography; Index of names and subjects; Index of biblical references.

Editorial Reviews

"Sedgwick is clear and well organized, developing a nuanced argument in dialog with important interlocutors. Recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduates and faculty." Choice

"[Sedgwick] provides a masterful interweaving of diverse scholarship on the ways that contemporary patterns of consumption and work effect personal identity." Christian Century

"...the author approaches each set of surveyed ideas judiciously and rejects the easy procedure of trumping philosophy and social science with theological claims. Hist study might therefore be useful to graduate students in search of a thesis or scholars in search of a topically integrated literature review." Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher