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40 pages 1 hour read

The Corporation

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2003

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Book Brief

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Joel Bakan

The Corporation

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Details
Pages

120

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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.

Informative

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

4.3

4,823 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

4.3

4,823 ratings

77%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Tom Kline

Kline is involved in reviving a pharmaceutical factory in Brooklyn, improving local safety, starting a school, and developing housing, showcasing the complex motives of corporate officers engaged in community outreach.

Browne, from British Petroleum, challenges industry norms by prioritizing environmental concerns alongside profit, influencing other energy firms to adopt a green agenda despite resistance.

Roddick starts a boutique soap company focusing on social causes, but faces challenges maintaining her outreach activities after attempting to expand through incorporation.

Barry works as an industrial spy, providing corporate secrets to a significant portion of Fortune 500 companies, and maintains a compartmentalized view of his professional and personal life.

Friedman, a renowned economist, advocates for laissez-faire capitalism and argues that a corporation's sole purpose should be maximizing profit for its shareholders.

Butler, a decorated military hero, protects American corporate interests during his service and later thwarts a coup against President Roosevelt planned by powerful businessmen.

Wexler, a prominent lobbyist in Washington, uses her connections and campaign contributions to help major corporations navigate and avoid regulatory challenges.

Barrett and McCabe, high school friends, seek corporate sponsorship to fund their college education, eventually partnering with First USA Bank to promote its credit card products.

Book Details
Pages

120

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Publication Year

2003

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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