Self-Management and the Crisis of Socialism: The Rose in the Fist of the Present

(Paperback)

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While some conclude from the revolutions of 1989 that socialism is dead, interest in socialism continues because of persisting problems of contemporary capitalism. In this exciting text, Michael W. Howard offers critiques of liberal, communitarian, postmodern and some Marxist perspectives in order to develop a left-liberal defense of a model of self-managed market socialism that includes a basic income for all. Specific applications of his view include analyses of its implications for the global marketplace, the changing nature of workplaces, and media restructuring and ownership. This work is sure to be of interest to social scientists, public policy makers, and economists as well as to feminists, ecologists, and others concerned with how market socialism is relevant to their social issues.

Reviews

Howards vision comes with no guarantees. It is precisely because it is grounded in real world examples that it rises above idealistic solutions and false hopes. If we make the road by walking, then this book is a good companion for the trip. * Grassroots Economic Organizing *
If you do not think [the new millennium] is yours, but belongs to transnational corporations, Michael Howard offers fresh hope and a grounded vision to reclaim what is rightfully ours. If you feel like the fist of the present is tightening and your breath is getting shorter, read this challenging book to rekindle your utopian visions and to sharpen your thinking about what is possible. Though Howards vision comes with no guarantees, it is precisely because it is grounded in real world examples that is rises above idealistic solutions and false hopes. . . . Howards proposal is just far enough outside the range of current possibilities to be visionary, but not so far removed from current experience as to be utopian. It is compelling to me when anyone dares to reach for this type of middle ground. -- Ken Estey, Union Theological Seminary in New York
Howard carefully reviews the now rich literature in philosophy, politics, and economics about the vast array of ideals and programs for socialism, equality, and freedom for all. The discussion of background philosophical literature will engage the interests of most philosophers, and the discussion of feasibility will engage most social scientists. His work is open enough to raise questions, flexible enough to propose experiments, and concrete enough to promote struggles. In other words, it is practical as well as philosophical. * Canadian Philosophical Association *
Howard . . . offers a comprehensive discussion of the vast literature concerning worker self-management, drawing on a wide range of disciplines including philosophy and economics. . . . His book represents a valuable excursion into an important subject. * Choice Reviews *

Author Bio

Michael W. Howard is professor of philosophy at the University of Maine, Orono. He is the author of numerous articles on Marxism and social justice.