Abstract
Capitalism has developed into a dangerous hindrance to any possibility of human progress, if ‘progress’ is defined not by the availability of ever more impressive gadgetry, but by a reduction in poverty, the spreading of prosperity and the conservation of a livable environment. Clearly, the left project in the 20th century was partially successful in raising living standards, and access to basic services such as health care and education in developed countries and for many elsewhere. However, these achievements are now under threat. Moreover, the broader capitalist narrative states there are no alternatives to this system and any endeavor that focuses on the common good or collective action as an organizing principle for society is undemocratic, unnatural and foolishly utopian and will not work. Thus, our goal in preparing this paper is to propose ways in which both traditional and novel forms of organization might be employed in the struggle to replace capitalism with a more equitable system, one which does not rely on the exploitation of working people and the destruction of the environment.
Recommended Citation
McGiffen, Steve and Clairzier, Patrick
(2017)
"Confronting Capitalism: Traditional Movements & Alternatives,"
The Journal of International Relations, Peace Studies, and Development: Vol. 3:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/agsjournal/vol3/iss1/6