Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Abstract

The final chapter poses the question of whether, in light of the experience of the crisis, a counter-movement aimed at socially and institutionally re-embedding markets is to be expected. Mau considers such a pendulum swing unlikely, pointing to the fact that the middle class has enduringly ambivalent interests which make a simple return to the past improbable. Despite sharp criticism of market excesses and an increase in inequality, the middle class continues to show a strong affinity for the market, for its interests in status and security as well as its investive conduct of life are both enduringly tied to market processes.