Social Theory Translation Series: Why Doesn't the United States Have Socialism

Author: (German) W. Sombart
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-10
Features: This book is a seminal work in the field of "American Exceptionalism" and has had a profound influence. On one hand, the book's perspective on the American political system (primarily referring to universal suffrage and constitutional democracy) and corporate system (primarily referring to piece-rate wages and profit sharing) promoting a favorable attitude toward American capitalism among workers was later adopted and expanded by successors. On the other hand, the book's argument that the living standards of American workers were higher than those of workers on the European continent, leading to their contentment with the status quo and lack of inclination toward socialism, drew much criticism. Critics argued that there is no inherent connection between living standards and revolutionary tendencies, with social justice being a more closely linked factor to revolutionary inclinations. It can be said that whenever discussions about American Exceptionalism arise, one must turn to Sombart's Why America Has No Socialism for intellectual resources.