Written by MacArthur grant winning economist and leading feminist Nancy Folbre, The Invisible Heart (2002) is presented as a new take on the connection between family values and economics. In the book, Folbre explores a central question: how does a society successfully balance care for others for their own self interests while still maintaining economic viability. She attempts to do this by using the image of the eponymous “invisible heart," which she hopes will invoke intense feelings in readers.
At its release, The Invisible Heart received incredibly positive reviews and sold well. The New York Times Book Review wrote that Folbre's book is “Important and illuminating . . . an outstandingly provocative book about the economics of care and reciprocity.” Publisher's Weekly wrote that "Folbre's progressive/feminist response to 'compassionate conservatism' should spark lively debate and sales. This is perfect for the sociology or cultural crit classroom and will also appeal to fans of fellow MacArthur recipient Mike Davis."
