Read the influential essay "The Market as Prison Download The Market as Prison," written by Yale political scientist Charles Lindblom (1917-2018) and published in the Journal of Politics back in 1982. In it, Lindblom argues that leaders in the business community possess what he calls an automatic punishing recoil mechanism that makes them unique in our system of political economy and gives them a privileged position over other groups and individuals. He also tries to explain both why this is, why it has been insufficiently recognized and discussed by scholars, and the difficulties it presents for those who would like to see the peaceful coexistence of both free markets and democratic political systems. As you read the essay, here are some questions to consider: What does Lindblom mean by the metaphor of the market as a prison? Which aspects of power (thinking in terms of what you read in Part I, chapter 2Links to an external site. of your textbook) does Lindblom discuss? Where and how does he discuss them? What kind(s) of power(s) do different groups have? In a political-economic system that involves both commands and inducements, how do business leaders have a privileged position according to Lindblom? Write a short (800-1200 word) MLA essay summarizing Lindblom's main point(s). Explain your response to his article. Do you agree with his point(s)? Do you disagree? Either way, discuss your reaction in ways that relate to the material we've covered so far this semester.

Fig: 1