Review of "Financial Citizenship. Experts, Publics & the Politics of Central Banking", by Annelise Riles

Abstract

In 2018, the anthropological literature on economics was enriched by the publication of a book that argues for building communication bridges between financial experts and the public. It identifies the main blind spots on both sides, discusses the need to substantiate a new narrative legitimacy for central banks, and gives experts in these prominent institutions a rigorous call to action for a more effective communication. Annelis Riles’s Financial Citizenship is the outcome of more than 20 years of research on central banking culture and the social ties between financial regulators and the other financial market participants. The book complements analysis with thorough fieldwork, and one of its strengths is access to sources in the relevant institutions.