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As the corporation's size and power grew, so did the need…

“As the corporation's size and power grew, so did the need to assuage people's fears of it. The corporation suffered its first full-blown legitimacy crisis in the wake of the early-twentieth-century merger movement, when, for the first time, many Americans realized that corporations, now turned…” quote by Joel Bakan
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“As the corporation's size and power grew, so did the need to assuage people's fears of it. The corporation suffered its first full-blown legitimacy crisis in the wake of the early-twentieth-century merger movement, when, for the first time, many Americans realized that corporations, now turned behemoths, threatened to overwhelm their social institutions and governments.”

Joel Bakan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Corporations grow in size and influence, prompting public fear and a legitimacy crisis as they threaten social institutions.

In simple terms: Big corporations cause public fear and legitimacy issues.

Key Takeaway

Address corporate power responsibly.

Themes

economics politics society

Mood

concerned critical

Type

political analytical

When to use this quote

  • policy making
  • activism
  • regulatory reform
  • public discourse

Key Concepts

corporate power legitimacy public trust

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies balance corporate benefits and risks?
  • What reforms are most effective?
A Different Perspective

Complex solutions are required beyond fear.

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