ABSTRACT

Social scientists are generally close-lipped about prescribing solutions, knowing full well that nothing can substitute for talk and collective action. We may study instances of activism or the dynamics of a social movement but as a general practice leave it up to the people themselves to decide what's best for them. The author offers ten recommendations which are directed at making things more affordable and society more affording. They were selected with an eye toward some of the more egregious cases of cost-socializing socialism. These include reforming political processes by increasing transparency and enhancing democracy; enhancing and (enforcing existing) antitrust laws; and reforming bankruptcy laws at international and intranational levels. There is a need to improve the transparency and accountability of institutions. Some, like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), operate completely outside the reach of civil society.