Taking Socialism Seriously [Hardcover]

Taking Socialism Seriously raises questions on what socialism concretely is and how we can get there. . . .The Occupy movement organized the greatest radical movement in recent memory, it could possibly have persisted longer with a convincing, coherent vision of an alternative to capitalist economy. In such a political environment, Taking Socialism Seriously offers an important and useful contribution. . . .Taking Socialism Seriously indeed engages with these questions that must be significant for all of us seeking to build the world without oppression and exploitation.[T]his collection will take its place as both an organizing and invigorating force for change alongside those books detailing viable paths to socio-economic alternatives for the 21st century. It should also be recognized as supporting and extending the vision of those who throughout history have sought to develop a working alternative to capitalism. Feeling a part of this historical mission may have the greatest effect on enthusiasm for its eventual achievement.After a seemingly endless period of quiescence, resistance to the depredations of the capitalist system has once more erupted throughout the world, reawakening a widespread awareness of the many evils capitalism brings in its wake. However with the end of Communism and the seemingly permanent crisis of socialist politics, it has become unclear what the alternatives to capitalism are. The essays in this collection explore that issue from a variety of perspectiveswith a view to determining what remains living in the socialist tradition, what can be retrieved or reconstructed from it, and what must ultimately be discarded.This timely volume shows thatwhatever one calls itit is essential to take the non-capitalist alternative seriously. Rejecting pat answers, the authors creatively explore topics ranging from romantic love and human nature to the division of labor, the 'information age,' how to combine democratic planning with the market, and thlS(