40 pages • 1 hour read
Joel BakanThe Corporation
Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2003A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Corporation by Joel Bakan, published in 2004, argues that corporations often misbehave due to their legal mandate to prioritize profit for shareholders, which leads to callous and sometimes unlawful actions. The book tracks the history of corporate power, highlights their antisocial behaviors, exposes their manipulative tactics, and suggests methods for governments to reclaim their control over corporations. The book contains discussions of deadly corporate practices and exploitation of labor.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Joel Bakan's The Corporation is a compelling critique of modern corporations, likening them to psychopathic entities prioritizing profit over welfare. It’s praised for its thorough research and persuasive arguments yet criticized for its one-sided view and limited solutions. Engaging and thought-provoking, it's essential for understanding corporate influence in society.
Who Should Read The Corporation?
A reader who enjoys The Corporation by Joel Bakan is likely engaged with socio-economic and political issues, particularly corporate influence on society. They might also appreciate books like Naomi Klein’s No Logo or Michael Moore’s Dude, Where’s My Country? These readers seek critical analysis and insight into the role and impact of corporations in modern life.