MixedThe New York Times Book Review... powerful stories ... While I appreciate Scott’s frustrations, the double X economy is unlikely to change how economists think; the concept encompasses every aspect of life where women are disadvantaged relative to men: not only in their access to jobs, property, capital, credit and markets but also because of their \'limited mobility, reproductive vulnerability and the ever-present threat of violence.\' Unlike the information and gig economies, to which Scott compares it, the double X economy isn’t contained; it’s anything that limits women in any way. This quickly becomes a story of everything .... There are certainly many factors that limit women’s economic participation and life potential. And Scott identifies some of the most important ones, including domestic violence, child care, the gender pay gap and the gender divide in business ownership, through engaging and persuasive case studies showing how women’s work is both devalued and yet foundational to the measured economy ... Yet I wish The Double X Economy had focused less on trying to convince me of the need for a new catchphrase for a problem that’s been around forever, and more on concrete ideas about how to change the minds of those with the power to make policies that affect women and girls. Scott’s narrative makes clear that the whole population, not just half, matters for the global economy. As the world teeters toward recession, I’m wondering whether now we might finally correct this enduring injustice.
Nancy MacLean
PositiveThe New York Times Book ReviewMacLean doesn’t hide her antipathy to Buchanan’s goals. As a historian of American social movements, she brings this expertise to her study of Buchanan, showing how his work helped to sow doubt that anyone — whether individuals, groups or institutions — can act in the public good. Nevertheless, her overt moral revulsion at her subject can sometimes make it seem as if we’re getting only part of the picture ... With this book MacLean joins a growing chorus of scholars and journalists documenting the systematic, organized effort to undermine democracy and change the rules ... Power consolidation sometimes seems like a perpetual motion machine, continually widening the gap between those who have power and money and those who don’t. Still, Democracy in Chains leaves me with hope: Perhaps as books like MacLean’s continue to shine a light on important truths, Americans will begin to realize they need to pay more attention and not succumb to the cynical view that known liars make the best leaders.
