Selling the Free Market: The Rhetoric of Economic Correctness

by James Arnt Aune

While accusations of "political correctness" are frequently raised against liberals, there has been surprisingly little discussion of how conservatives foment the use of their own "economically correct" language. In this engaging book, James Arnt Aune examines how the rhetoric of the free market has become the everyday language of American political debate. Outlining the key ideas of free-market economics, Aune shows how they have permeated political decisions around such issues as labor unions, farm subsidies, and the minimum wage. He also illuminates the paradoxes and irrationalities of these ideas, using rhetorical theory as an analytical tool. The book reveals the inherent contradictions between economic libertarianism, nationalist principles, and social conservatism in the positions of such influential right-wing politicians as Ronald Reagan, Newt Gingrich, and Patrick Buchanan. It also provides lively and critical readings of important free-market and libertarian writings by Ayn Rand, Robert Nozick, Murray Rothbard, and Charles Murray. Vividly demonstrating the destructive impact of "economic correctness" on the lives of working people and families, this book ably refutes both the language and the logic of the market revolution.

Winner--National Communication Association's Diamond Anniversary Book Award
 

Genres: Economics

217 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[William O. II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent look at the rhetorical practices of free-market/libertarian economists, theorists and politicians. Recommended reading.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thumping good read for anyone who's ever wondered what "Libertarian" meant. Frank always and hilarious often, Aune breaks down the world of "free market" rhetoric in terms accessible to anyone who has an interest, rather than simply an academic audience. His own ideology remains clear, but that gives the volume a veneer ripe for delicious debate. Well done.