Political Economy, Capitalism, and Popular Culture

What does The Dark Knight have to do with political economy or Lord of the Flies with capitalism? A great deal, argues Ronnie D. Lipschutz in this entertaining and enlightening guide to basic concepts and practices in capitalism, neoclassical economics, and political economy. As he convincingly illustrates, film and fiction occupy a dual role in today's economy. They are the products of the economy, designed and presented as commodities to be sold in great quantities even as they serve to reproduce social beliefs and practices (e.g., torture comes to be seen as a routine and necessary means of extracting intelligence from suspects). Drawing on film and fiction from the past sixty years, Lipschutz describes and analyzes their essential role in the production and reproduction of contemporary society. His thoughtful and imaginative critique will bring to life the concepts and practices of economics and political economy for all readers.