The Edges of the Field

"In The Edges of the Field Harvard law professor Joseph William Singer offers a look at Americans' complex relation to property and ownership. Incorporating examples as far-ranging as the experience of Malden Mills owner Aaron Feuerstein, the Torah, and the musical Rent, Singer reminds us that ownership is a curious blend of security and vulnerability between owner and nonowner. He proposes that property is a system in which the character of the social relationships shaped by it is as important as ownership rights. Singer suggests that depending on companies and individuals to act with goodwill is naive, as history demonstrates.

Rather than condemn property owners, however, he advocates opening and strengthening joint claims to resources and refining the system of property rules to guard against selfish and dangerous concentrations of power."--Jacket.