The Acquisitive Society

Name: The Acquisitive Society
Author: R. H. Tawney

By R. H. Tawney

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Philosophy & Ethics Politics Sociology

About This Book

The book offers a sustained critique of modern industrial society's prioritization of individual acquisition over social function, arguing that institutions protect economic rights while neglecting obligations and the social purposes of work. It contrasts this acquisitive model with the idea of a functional society in which remuneration and property are linked to the discharge of social responsibilities and creative contribution. The analysis traces consequences of the acquisitive ethos — weakened moral limits, managerial and professional disorders, inefficiencies, and a vicious circle that undermines true productivity — and examines reforms: redefining property and industry, promoting industrial professionalism, and reorganizing rewards to align incentive with public service and collective efficiency.

About the Author

R. H. Tawney

R. H. Tawney was a British historian and social critic known for his influential works on the relationship between religion and economic development. His notable book, "Religion and the Rise of Capitalism," explores how religious beliefs shaped the emergence of capitalist society. Tawney's writings often reflect his concerns about social justice and the moral implications of economic systems. He also contributed significantly to discussions on agrarian issues in his work, "The Agrarian Problem in the Sixteenth Century," which examines the economic and social changes in England during that period. His scholarship remains relevant in contemporary debates about capitalism and ethics.