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Challenges to the Social Foundations of Capitalism in an Age of Global Economics

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Human Relations

Abstract

Capitalism transforms its own social foundationseven as it holds forth the prospect of continuing humanadvancement. This paper examines changes innation-state, civil society, and democracy in response to the forces of global capitalism. Theseinstitutions, all associated with Western liberalism andthe advent of industrialization, represent forms ofsocial integration important to the success ofcapitalism. However, they appear to be deeply affected byeconomic globalization, and their capacities to ensuresocial stability are in que stion. This analysis leadsto policy directions for reducing the socially-corrosive effects of global capitalism, strengthening thecapacities of foundation social institutions, andexploring a value synthesis between liberalism and moralcommunity.

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Aram1, J.D. Challenges to the Social Foundations of Capitalism in an Age of Global Economics. Human Relations 50, 967–986 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1016929011357

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