My first read of the new era was Andrew Sayer’s exceptional “Why we can’t afford the rich” (Polity Press, 2016). I discovered Sayer’s work when I first became familiar with critical realism, which is now my theoretical toolkit of choice. I love the depth of analysis here, especially the relentless cross-examination of “greed/inequality is good” Reaganism/Thatcherism. Sayer shows these arguments to be hollow upon close inspection, convenient yet flawed constructs that fall apart with the slightest push. Sayer offers much more than a slight push though, taking apart plutocratic norms with sound logic and compelling evidence.
Dr Martin James 