What We Can Learn from Nordic Socialism
11 hours ago
- #Democratic Socialism
- #Nordic Socialism
- #Economic Democracy
- Pelle Dragsted's book argues for building economic democracy within capitalism, not waiting for its overthrow.
- Dragsted proposes a pluralist socialism with worker co-ops, public firms, and socialized markets coexisting alongside private capital.
- The book rejects the binary of state-led reform vs. revolution, aligning with Nicos Poulantzas' 'democratic road to socialism.'
- Capitalism is not a totality; societies contain noncapitalist elements like cooperatives and welfare systems.
- Nordic economies' solidaristic elements are seen as 'shards of socialism' within capitalism, improving life.
- Socialist reforms can expand noncapitalist modes of production, gradually transforming society.
- Dragsted's program includes cooperative rights, wage-earner funds, and democratizing finance to socialize investment.
- Proposals like wage-earner funds echo Bernie Sanders' 2020 plan and Sweden's Meidner Plan.
- The U.S. has historical examples of noncapitalist institutions, showing potential for hybrid economies.
- A public jobs guarantee is central to Dragsted's vision, asserting unemployment as a political choice.
- The book provides a roadmap for democratic socialism in the U.S., emphasizing durable reforms and working-class coalitions.