A decade after the Global Financial Crisis and Great Recession, developed economies continue to struggle under excessive household debt. While exacerbating inequality and political unrest, this debt - when combined with wage stagnation and a shrinking welfare state - has played a key role in maintaining economic growth and allowing households faced with rising costs of living to make ends meet. In Bankruptcy: The Case for Relief in an Economy of Debt, Joseph Spooner examines this economic model and finds it increasingly unsustainable. In a call to action to reduce debt burden, he turns to bankruptcy law, which is uniquely situated as a mechanism of social insurance against the risks of a debt-dependent economy. This book should be read by anyone interested in understanding the problem of consumer debt and how best to address it.

‘This reviewer highly recommends this book for people who want to learn more about the consumer debt-based economy and ways to make it fairer and more efficient.’

R. H. Scott Source: Choice

‘The book is essential reading for anyone who is interested in understanding the problem of consumer debt and how best to address it. It is an indispensable addition for all university libraries.’

Eugenio Vaccari Source: Journal of International Banking Law and Regulation