This clearly-written book provides an historical analysis of postwar economic development in the United States, helping the reader to understand the nation's current economic position. Samuel Rosenberg investigates three postwar phases: the creation of an institutional framework setting the stage for prosperity in the U.S. after World War II; the forces undermining this institutional framework and the resulting stagflation of the 1970s; and the recreation of a new institutional structure in the 1980s. Basic economic concepts are introduced and explained throughout and specific attention is paid to macroeconomic policy, industrial relations, the role of the U.S. in the world economy, social and labour policy, the structure of the labour force, and the distribution of income by race and gender.

SAMUEL ROSENBERG is Professor of Economics and Director of the Honors Program at Roosevelt University, Chicago.