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Karl Polanyi: A Revolutionary Life on the Left

Gabriel Hayes

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Karl Polanyi was a Hungarian-born economic historian, anthropologist, and political economist who challenged the dominant economic theories of his time. He argued that the market was not a natural or inevitable force, but rather a social construct that had been created by humans. Polanyi's work has been influential in the development of economic anthropology, economic sociology, and development economics.

Early Life and Education

Karl Polanyi was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary, in 1886. His father was a lawyer and his mother was a member of the Hungarian aristocracy. Polanyi studied law at the University of Budapest, but he soon became interested in economics and sociology. He moved to England in 1908 to study at the London School of Economics, where he was influenced by the work of Fabian socialists such as Sidney Webb and Beatrice Webb.

Karl Polanyi: A Life on the Left

by Gareth Dale

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1446 KB
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Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	400 pages

Career

Polanyi began his career as a journalist and political activist. He worked for a number of left-wing newspapers and magazines, and he was a member of the Hungarian Social Democratic Party. In 1914, he was arrested and imprisoned for his political activities. After his release from prison, Polanyi moved to the United States, where he taught economics at the New School for Social Research.

In the 1930s, Polanyi began to develop his own unique approach to economics. He argued that the market was not a natural or inevitable force, but rather a social construct that had been created by humans. Polanyi also argued that the market economy was inherently unstable, and that it tended to lead to social and economic crises.

Polanyi's work was highly influential in the development of economic anthropology, economic sociology, and development economics. He is considered one of the founders of these fields, and his work continues to be studied and debated today.

Later Life and Death

Polanyi retired from teaching in 1958, but he continued to write and research until his death in 1964. He died in Pickering, Ontario, Canada, at the age of 78.

Legacy

Karl Polanyi is considered one of the most important economic thinkers of the 20th century. His work has had a profound influence on the development of economic anthropology, economic sociology, and development economics. Polanyi's work continues to be studied and debated today, and it is likely to continue to be influential for many years to come.

Karl Polanyi was a revolutionary thinker who challenged the dominant economic theories of his time. He argued that the market was not a natural or inevitable force, but rather a social construct that had been created by humans. Polanyi's work has been highly influential in the development of economic anthropology, economic sociology, and development economics. He is considered one of the founders of these fields, and his work continues to be studied and debated today.

Karl Polanyi: A Life on the Left

by Gareth Dale

4.6 out of 5