“If, as a politically active environmentalist or campaigner for social justice, one’s answer to the question is they are, indeed mutually exclusive [that capitalism, in whichever manifestation, is in its very essence inherently unsustainable], then one’s only morally consistent response is to devote one’s political activities to the overthrow of capitalism. If one's answer is that they are entirely compatible (that there are no structural, inherent characteristics within a capitalist system that would make sustainability an unattainable goal), then it is morally consistent to pursue sustainable development (as the path that leads to that goal) within and through that capitalist system. And if one's answer is that they are only compatible under certain conditions (it isn't capitalism per se that is at issue here, but which model of capitalism), then the transformation of those aspects of contemporary capitalism that are incompatible with the attainment of sustainability becomes both a moral and a political precondition of being an effective environmentalist or campaigner for social justice.” Jonathon Porritt - Capitalism as if the World Matters - page 87
Which path will you follow and why? How do you define capitalism, and if you think it is necessary to overthrow or significantly change it, what are the alternatives that you are proposing?
To help you start answering that question, have a look at this chart on Major Commercial Characteristics of Capitalism, Socialism, and Co-operation.
Also have a look at my notes on a talk I went to by Derek Wall on Real alternatives to capitalism
I would also recommend reading 'The Corporation: The Pathological Pursuit of Profit and Power' by Joel Bakan for a history of corporate capitalism.
Finally, have a look at some of the proposed alternatives to capitalism, such as Participatory Economics, anarchism, socialism, Eco-socialism, worker co-operativism, Freeganism, Mutualism, Autonomism and reclaiming the commons.
There is much more that you could read but this is a great start.
Good luck in finding the answers!
Posted in Co-operatives ed's blog | 170 reads
Submitted by ed on Mon, 2008-03-03 18:03.
