Death of Despair and Future of Capitalism- A review

Capitalism is one of the age-old concepts, an ideology that has shaped economic history since -the age of industrialization. Invariably societies have evolved and shown the potential of growth over a while. However, there are drawbacks to the potential high growth trends and economic prosperity that the United States of America had to pay over some time. The book by Angus Deacon and Anne Case through their book pointed out key issues in the economic history and the social status of the nation.

Though this book will not give anyone a good picture of what capitalism has done to its people, a grim picture of the ill effects- is vividly described. With the beginning of the last decade the ill effects of drug overdose, continued health diseases, and the high rates of suicides are said to have been recorded. The book clearly showed the growing trends in the prescription of opioids and other prescription drugs that had led to declining health. The falling life expectancy is one of the highlights that the book vividly describes to the readers to show the seriousness of the situation. 

Another aspect is the healthcare facilities enjoyed by the highly educated and privileged compared to less educated people. There was a clear distinction of how people with a degree especially with a Bachelor of Arts and higher enjoy a better life compared to lesser individuals in American society. All this culminates in a bigger problem of low productivity in the economy, which affects the big corporate giants of their profits over time. The book helps by citing with well-known examples taken from big corporations to illustrate the detrimental nature of how the workforce functions and suffers due to the policies in place. 

The big picture- in simple terms is how the society mostly comprised of blue-collar jobs suffers in the hands of capitalist ideals and norms. Though the majority of the population is off the poverty level – the accessibility to a decent life is still out of reach. 

The book also points out solutions where existing problems could be solved. Solutions are in terms of better education policies, workforce environment, and better health care solutions are the only way out. Another aspect showcased and pointed out was that instead of juggling solutions from within their nation- it's better to look around to their developed counterparts and imbibe new solutions to sort the problems. It's more of a learning and sharing ideas scenario the authors point out at the end. Incorporating the best systems and solutions from developed nations across the globe is the only way the nation could be an example of the best-developed nation in the world. Though all nations have a wide range of problems, solutions are invariably available- it's all about learning, researching, and incorporating them to the hilt to get the best results.

This book is worth the read to understand the problems of modern-day America and the challenges they have as a developed nation. Worth a read and a collectible to understand world economics and society in a better way.