In the 19th century, a lot of people were against outlawing child labour, because to do so would be against the very foundations of a free market economy: 'These children want to work, these people want to employ them... what is your problem? It's not as if anyone has kidnapped them...'

Ha-Joon Chang

Ha-Joon Chang

19th Century Against Anyone Because Century Child Children Economy Employ Foundations Free Free Market Kidnapped Labour Lot Market Market Economy People Problem Them Very Want Were Work Would Your

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Overcoming the myth that there is such a thing as an objectively defined 'free market' is the first step towards understanding capitalism.

— Ha-Joon Chang

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Basically, the myth is that America has been founded on the free market; the government has done very little; it has thrived under free trade. But actually, if you look at the history, this is actually the country that has succeeded most with protectionist policies.

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There is no pure free-market economy.

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Few countries have become rich through free-trade, free-market policies, and few ever will.

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Every market has some rules and boundaries that restrict freedom of choice. A market looks free only because we so unconditionally accept its underlying restrictions that we fail to see them.

— Ha-Joon Chang

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