Description
Book SynopsisThis book revolves around the idea that capitalism is not a democratic system and that a system of producer cooperatives, or democratically managed enterprises, gives rise to a new mode of production which is authentically socialist in essence and fully consistent with the ultimate rationale underlying Marx's theoretical approach. The author argues that the cooperative firm system outlined in this book offers a rich array of non-economic benefits that justify its classification as a 'genuinely socialist' entity, with real potential for achieving true economic democracy.
This book will be required reading for all economists who are not content with the current capitalist economic system, and yet will still provide intriguing and thought-provoking insights for those who are.
Trade Review'Bruno Jossa has long been a leading international scholar of worker self-management, socialism and Marxism. This, his most recent book, argues convincingly that, with a global crisis of capitalism looming, it is no longer admissible to contend that there is no alternative. A democratic alternative is within reach. Well worth a careful read.' --David Schweickart, Loyola University Chicago, US
'The book by Bruno Jossa, a leading researcher and scholar in the field of the economics of the cooperative enterprise, is an intellectually provocative contribution to the expansion of the economics of cooperation. The central thesis defended is that the capitalist firm is not the only type of enterprise that is compatible with the efficient working of a modern market economy. Jossa's account is at once timely, novel and stimulating. A captivating read.'
--Stefano Zamagni, University of Bologna and SAIS Europe, Italy
'In this new book, Bruno Jossa reconstructs the theory of labour management and producer cooperatives, centring it around the evolution of Marxian and Marxist thought and giving the gist of revolutionary and reformist thought in the 20th Century, down to the contemporary theory of producer cooperatives, social movements in the 1960s and 70s, and the role of unions. A much-needed contribution to reinventing market-driven liberal socialism.'
--Ermanno Tortia, University of Trento, Italy
Table of ContentsContents: Preface Introduction: The Cooperative Firm As An Alternative To The Capital-Owned Business Enterprise 1. Democratic Firms And Socialism 2. An Up-To-Date Model Of Marxism: A Socialist System Without Any Communist Colouring 3. The Revolutionary Impetus Of Marxism Versus Liberalism 4. Do Trade Unions Champion Worker Interests? 5. In What Direction Goes History? 6. The Evolution Of Socialism: From Utopia To Scientific Producer of Cooperative Economics References Index
