Description
Book SynopsisThis book examines Michael Manleyâs government in Jamaica in the 1970s which featured an attempt to promote social and economic democracy on an egalitarian foundation. Many of his ideas have been revived in the early twenty-first century by the Occupy Movement, reflecting the continued relevance of his ideals and efforts.
Trade ReviewLedgister steers us deftly through the recent political history of Jamaica as he examines the politics and ideas of one of the most influential leaders of the past half century and throws light on this critical period in Jamaican and Caribbean history. It is time for a fresh look at the Manley years, and Ledgister's scholarly, elegant, yet critical study does exactly that. This is necessary reading for all students of the Caribbean, as well as anyone interested in the practical and theoretical questions associated with postcolonial regimes that sought to initiate social change in the difficult political economy of the late twentieth century. -- Brian Meeks, University of the West Indies
Dr. Ledgister has written an excellent introduction to the postcolonial thought of Michael Manley. He has carefully examined Michael Manley’s core ideas concerning the expansion and deepening of democracy in Jamaica in the 1970s, arguably the most radical moment in twentieth-century Jamaican politics. Manley’s ideas challenged the class and racial legacies of the island’s colonial and plantation system with a vision based on respect for the majority of the people of African descent and rights for women and workers, economic justice, and a greater role in international relations in an era marked by the development of many new states. Readers of this volume will be able to appreciate Manley’s thinking as he expressed his ideas in eloquent political rhetoric as well as in his political writings. This is a balanced text in which the author engages the criticisms of his political opponent, Edward Seaga, who defeated Michael Manley in the 1980 general elections. -- Rupert Lewis, University of the West Indies
Table of ContentsChapter 1: Michael Manley and Jamaican Democracy Chapter 2: The Politics of Change Chapter 3: A Voice at the Workplace and Jamaica’s Democratic Development Chapter 4: Revolutionising Democracy in 1970s Jamaica: D.K. Duncan and the quest for a better world Chapter 5: Edward Seaga and the Question of Leveling: Seeing Manley from the Other Side Chapter 6: A Great Perhaps: Michael Manley’s Struggle in the Periphery and Jamaican democracy Chapter 7: Conclusion: Justice, Peace, and Love
