“Very useful for intermediate undergraduates as a holistic view of economic processes in action.” (*) Most principles of economics texts are predicated narrowly on the concept of scarcity as a fundamental force, but that is only one aspect of economics. This supplemental text for basic and intermediate level undergraduates provides a serious discussion of the concept of abundance— what it means, how we can move toward it, and what keeps us from doing so. The authors first outline the development of the concept of abundance and its meaning with discussions of the roles of population, resources, and the environment. Then they consider why abundance escapes us, focusing on the detrimental roles of four predatory behaviors—classism, nationalism, sexism, and racism. As a remedy, they propose a policy of universal employment as a replacement for full employment, and explore the effects of pushing the unemployment rate down to absolute zero. Endorsements:

"This new book by Bill Dugger and Jim Peach is lively, interesting and relevant to the world around us. It provides a real world analysis of the sources of abundance, unequal access to abundance, and policy measures to spread abundance around. It cogently examines how human and environmental capabilities are developed, how some people have more access to resources than others, and why policy matters. It would be very useful for intermediate undergraduates as a holistic view of economic processes in action." — Phillip O'Hara, Curtain University of Technology, Australia (*)

"Hope stirs economies. Community knowledge helps lift a society's overall well-being and living standards. By challenging the conventional definition of economics and re-grounding their study in abundance rather than scarcity, Dugger and Peach provide a timely antidote to currently discredited free market orthodoxy. The authors' sweeping analysis of the barriers to abundance and the policies that can promote it effectively address contemporary concerns over the environment, inequality, and unemployment." — Deborah M. Figart, Dean and Professor, The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey

"This is an important book. It frees economics from the dismal science of scarcity and its assumed iron laws that have repelled thoughtful people for generations. Written for the general reader, it is also a well-reasoned and well-written supplemental textbook that will stimulate thoughtful and lively discussions about relevant economic issues. Freed from the dismal science, economics can shed light on the quality of life and on the social and economic health of the larger community. The book helps us re-examine our habitual assumptions about inequality, scarcity, and work." — Glen Atkinson, Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno

"This book provides a valuable introduction to an alternative view of economics. As such, it serves as an essential antidote to the neoclassical paradigm that dominates economic curriculums in the Western world. Dugger and Peach present an alternative worldview that equips readers with a fresh perspective in addressing a variety of socio-economic concerns. … This book is an excellent antidote to the mainstream economic religion. It is a must read for any student of economics seeking a pluralistic knowledge of the subject matter. The authors have done a great service to the profession by providing this highly-accessible, alternative worldview at a time when our economy and environment are in dire need of a reformation of social provisioning." — The Social Science Journal

"The general reader, including non-economists, who wants to be stimulated by provocative ideas will benefit from a careful study of this book. In addition, I highly recommend this book to those who believe that critical thinking should be a part of the economics curriculum. It would serve as a superb supplemental text in principles courses. It could also be considered for senior-level, capstone courses where students are asked to integrate the knowledge they gained during their studies. The important issues raised in this book are highly relevant to today's college students and should stimulate lively discussions and debates among them." — Journal of Economic Issues