From the Roots Up: Economic Development as if Community Mattered

First published in 1986, this book presents an alternative vision of the economy, one that is not dominated by conventional indicators and analyses of the narrower market economy.Ross and Usher argue that the separation of economic and social problems encouraged by "bottom-line" thinking in business and government must be replaced by a form of "social accounting," as typified by activity in smaller structures closer to the community. Expanding the role of cooperative enterprises, small businesses, community development corporations, voluntary activity, mutual aid, and household activity will yield more informal, appropriate and democratic solutions. From the Roots Up explains why we need to revise our concepts of work and employment, our system of taxation and public finance, and our traditional political perspectives on public issues.