Doughnut Economics cover art

Doughnut Economics

The must-read book that redefines economics for a world in crisis

Preview

Get 30 days of Standard free

£5.99/mo after trial. Cancel monthly.
Try for £0.00
More purchase options
Buy Now for £9.48

Buy Now for £9.48

About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Economics is broken. It has failed to predict, let alone prevent, financial crises that have shaken the foundations of our societies. Its outdated theories have permitted a world in which extreme poverty persists while the wealth of the super-rich grows year on year. And its blind spots have led to policies that are degrading the living world on a scale that threatens all of our futures.

Can it be fixed? In Doughnut Economics, Oxford academic Kate Raworth identifies seven critical ways in which mainstream economics has led us astray, and sets out a roadmap for bringing humanity into a sweet spot that meets the needs of all within the means of the planet. En route, she deconstructs the character of ‘rational economic man’ and explains what really makes us tick. She reveals how an obsession with equilibrium has left economists helpless when facing the boom and bust of the real-world economy. She highlights the dangers of ignoring the role of energy and nature’s resources – and the far-reaching implications for economic growth when we take them into account. And in the process, she creates a new, cutting-edge economic model that is fit for the 21st century – one in which a doughnut-shaped compass points the way to human progress.

Ambitious, radical and rigorously argued, Doughnut Economics promises to reframe and redraw the future of economics for a new generation.

Includes a supplementary PDF of graphs and diagrams.

The Sunday Times bestseller

Longlisted for the Financial Times & McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award 2017

‘The John Maynard Keynes of the 21st century.’ George Monbiot, Guardian

‘This is sharp, significant scholarship . . . Thrilling.’ Times Higher Education

‘A really important economic and political thinker.’ Andrew Marr

‘An innovative vision about how we could refocus away from growth to thriving.’ Daily Mail

‘An admirable attempt to broaden the horizons of economic thinking.’ Martin Wolf, Financial Times

Economics International Macroeconomics Theory Inspiring Capitalism Thought-Provoking Business Socialism US Economy Taxation Economic Inequality

Critic reviews

I’ve never seen [the concepts in Doughnut Economics] laid out so clearly, compellingly, or cheekily. Social entrepreneurs, it’s doughnut time – and I strongly recommend that you take a bite. (Four Books Every Social Entrepreneur Should Read)
Doughnut Economics shows how to ensure dignity and prosperity for all people.
A compelling and timely intervention. (Caroline Lucas MP, Books of the Year)
A book you will need to know about . . . Kate writes beautifully . . . If only 10% of the ideas get implemented, the world will be a much better place. (World Bank blog)
A sharp, insightful call for a shift in thinking . . . Raworth’s energetic, layperson-friendly writing makes her concept accessible as well as intriguing.
Kate Raworth, formerly of Oxfam, shows that the undulations of equality and justice are really very profound . . . [Her] aim is to adjust human use of the processes of planetary dynamics so that the overall outcome of development is survival in peace, health, prosperity and companionship.
Proposes a new economic model – one that embeds the human economy within the natural world and within society, rather than being distinct from either.
An innovative vision about how we could refocus away from growth to thriving.
A brand new way of conceptualising economic development without being tied to infinite growth . . . A useful idea.
There are some really important economic and political thinkers around at the moment – such as Kate Raworth's Doughnut Economics . . . I get the sense that a major period of new thinking and political creativity is coming. (Andrew Marr)
All stars
Most relevant
.... critical and constructive analysis of the world around us. Proof that economics is an ideology not a science.

Essential...

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

very much enjoyed this book for its refreshing views throughout. Having studied economics myself, I found myself sometimes on the fence if status quo is completely off but it certainly requires deeper changes to fix the direction we're heading for.

The big question is still the 'how', as most examples given in the book are quite niche (for now) and the real task is how to change the system considering time is running out.

Inspiring thoughts for change

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

a new way of thinking economically for the future of our planet and a better way forward for our societies.

Time for a rethink

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

A much needed and very interesting contribution to new thinking within the area of economics. All areas of science are evolving rapidly, while economists seems to be stuck with old theories. Kate Raworth has some bold ideas that needs to be explored further if we are to move towards a more sustainable world. Very refreshing read!

An economist for a new era

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

I began this knowing nothing about economics. My eyes have been opened. Now I'm hopefull.

probably the most important book of the century.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

See more reviews