Extravagance and Misery: The Emotional Regime of Market Societies
Extravagance and Misery: The Emotional Regime of Market Societies examines how economic inequality shapes well-being and emotional life in affluent market societies. Alan Thomas, Alfred Archer, and Bart Engelen combine political philosophy, political economy, and research on happiness to discuss how inequality is sustained and what justice and solidarity might require.
At a glance
- Explores how income and wealth inequality affect the well-being of poor, middle-class, and rich people.
- Discusses shame, envy, and admiration as emotions within unequal market societies.
- Connects political philosophy and political economy with research from the science of happiness.
- Concludes with a proposal to reshape the emotional regime in the interests of justice and solidarity.
Reference price: $140.00
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- A focused treatment of both structural inequality and the emotions that can help justify or perpetuate it.
- The discussion spans social groups and links philosophical analysis with happiness research.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | November 5, 2024 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 512 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0197781721 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0197781722 |
| Weight listed | 1.96 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.65 x 1.48 x 9.3 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers of political philosophy interested in inequality, markets, and distributive justice.
- Students or researchers seeking an interdisciplinary discussion of well-being and social emotions.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a brief or introductory overview. The listing describes a 512-page work.
Frequently asked questions
What is this book about?
It examines how economic inequality is produced and sustained in affluent market societies, its effects on well-being, and emotions including shame, envy, and admiration.
Does the book propose a response to inequality?
The description says it concludes with a proposal to reshape the emotional regime in support of justice and solidarity.
Who is the book aimed at?
Its themes and interdisciplinary approach are suited to readers interested in political philosophy, political economy, inequality, and well-being.
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