Description
Book SynopsisWhen the Cold War ended, some people called it the end of history. Capitalism and liberal democracy had prevailed. Later, when the West clashed with radical Islam, Americans realized history hadn't ended after allat least not abroad. Now, in How Marx Can Save American Capitalism, Ronald W. Dworkin shows us that even the home front is in play and capitalism and liberal democracy are threatened. Dworkin uses Karl Marx to tip the balance in their favora paradox, as Marx was the sworn enemy of capitalism and liberal democracy, but also logical, as Marx knew the weak spots in capitalism and democracy better than anyone.In the past, capitalism's weak spots were obvious: sweatshops, workhouses, and hunger. The twentieth century welfare state saved capitalism by fixing them. Today's weak spots are less obvious; they don't even seem related mass loneliness, a declining birth rate, young people postponing adulthood, and workers using sleep aids to function on the job. Yet they pose the same risk
Trade ReviewDworkin offers a compelling hook and an elucidating read into Marxist theory, one that is often misunderstood by the general public. . . .Dworkin’s strengths lie in his candid description of the political and economic landscape today, one based on an obsession with consumption, a senselessly divergent partisan system and false sense of democracy. * Journal of Politics & Society *
His [Dworkin's] book is original. * Dick and Sharon's LA Progressive *
In extensive, thoroughly documented analyses, Ronald Dworkin shows how well the young Marx understood modern alienation and isolation, its loneliness, service industries, love life, marital difficulties, and commodity fetishes. His striking parallels between Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party, medieval and modern life, conservatives and progressives, laborers and knowledge workers, and religion and politics break down stereotypes and preconceptions and reveals Marx’s surprising insights into modern consumption, regulations, religion, and politics. -- Philip Goldstein, University of Delaware
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Our French Revolution Chapter 2 The New Alienation Chapter 3 A Society of Hobos Chapter 4 The Tin Man Chapter 5 A Fetish for Commodities Chapter 6 When Christianity Becomes Ideology Chapter 7 Marx For America
