William Graham Sumner

Broschiertes Buch

What Social Classes Owe to Each Other

Beschreibung

What Social Classes Owe to Each Other by William Graham Sumner is a seminal work in which the author challenges prevailing ideas about the responsibilities of different social classes in society. Written in 1883, Sumner argues that social classes are not obligated to help or support each other, and he critiques the idea that wealthier individuals have a duty to assist the poor. Instead, he promotes a vision of society where individuals are responsible for their own success, and wealth is the result of personal effort rather than social obligation. Sumner's ideas are grounded in the principles of laissez-faire economics, advocating for minimal government intervention and a free-market economy. He also addresses the idea of "charity" from a critical perspective, suggesting that enforced charity, or wealth redistribution, harms both the wealthy and the poor by fostering dependency and inhibiting self-reliance. This work is considered a cornerstone of classical liberalism, influencing economic and social thought for generations. Sumner's views stirred considerable debate, especially among social reformers and advocates for the poor. His philosophy continues to be referenced in discussions about social justice, welfare policies, and the role of government in wealth distribution.

Autor

William Graham Sumner was an American clergyman, social scientist, and a prominent figure in the development of sociology and economics. Born on October 30, 1840, in Paterson, New Jersey, he was educated at Yale University, University of Oxford, University of Geneva, and University of Göttingen. Sumner is best known for his role as a professor at Yale, where he held the nation's first chair in sociology. His influence on the discipline was profound, shaping the way social science was taught in the United States. As a leading advocate of neoclassical liberalism, he promoted the idea of individualism and minimal government intervention in social affairs. His philosophy emphasized that social classes were not obligated to support each other and critiqued welfare policies, viewing them as detrimental to both the wealthy and the poor. Sumner's ideas significantly influenced economists and social theorists like Thorstein Veblen and Irving Fisher. He passed away on April 12, 1910, in Englewood, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape discussions around social policy and economic thought. Sumner's work, including his critique of social welfare, remains influential in debates about the role of government in society.

Produktdetails

• Verlag: Double 9 Books
• Seitenzahl: 78
• Erscheinungstermin: 1. Dezember 2024
• Englisch
• Abmessung: 216mm x 140mm x 5mm
• Gewicht: 111g
• ISBN-13: 9789369075799
• ISBN-10: 9369075798
• Artikelnr.: 73247059