Democracy at Work
Cascading economic problems and crises, coupled with dysfunctional political responses, have plunged many societies into deepening turmoil. Capitalism, the dominant economic system of our time, has once again become the subject of criticism and opposition. A global capitalist system that no longer meets most people’s needs has prompted social movements to arise and coalesce in the active search for fundamental and structural change. The establishment responds with what are called reforms. But they are superficial and quickly circumvented. Historically, the various forms of state socialism and communism do not offer a model or inspiration to those looking for viable alternatives. People are seeking new solutions to address capitalism’s injustices, waste, and massive breakdowns. One such proposal is workers’ self-directed enterprises. Production works optimally when performed by a community that collectively and democratically designs and carries out shared labor.
Speaker
Richard Wolff
Richard Wolff is Professor of Economics Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst and currently a visiting professor at the New School in New York. The New York Times calls him “America’s most prominent Marxist economist.” He is the author of numerous books including Democracy at Work, Capitalism’s Crisis Deepens and Occupy the Economy with David Barsamian.
Rocco Rizzo –
I have often wondered why, in the largest democracy in the world, businesses are run like dictatorships.
Richard Wolfe answers this question, and gives us the best alternative possible. A system where the workers share in the profits, policies, and other ownership of a company. They are called cooperatives, and they work great!
If you need to convince someone that co-ops are the answer, this is the thing for you!
Berhane Russom –
For me it is a clear picture that capitalism will reach to a maximum degree where few will own everything and the rest will vanish or fight back for the share. Government radios or private news media owned by the very few rich does not want to create alarm hence oppress facts.
In my opinion, it is well organized and life will not be easy anywhere and particularly in the western hemisphere for a simple reason that they are deeply rooted structures inter-organized with the government. hence shade and anointed legal but grossly unfair a layman like me will not have a full picture.
I worry for the next generation including our children.
keep the good work.