Cooperatives Confront Capitalism: Challenging The Neoliberal Economy

Description

Cooperatives the world over are successfully developing alternative models of decision-making, employment and operation without the existence of managers, executives and hierarchies. Through case studies spanning the US, Latin America and Europe, including valuable new work on the previously neglected cooperative movement in Cuba, Peter Ranis explores how cooperatives have evolved in response to the economic crisis. Going further yet, Ranis makes the novel argument that the constitutionally enshrined principle of 'eminent domain' can in fact be harnessed to create and defend worker cooperatives. Combining the work of key radical theorists, including Marx, Gramsci and Luxemburg, with that of contemporary political economists, such as Block, Piketty and Stiglitz, Cooperatives Confront Capitalism provides what is perhaps the most far-reaching analysis yet of the ideas, achievements and wider historical context of the cooperative movement. Cover About the author Title page Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgments 1. Why worker cooperatives? The historical underpinnings and defense of worker cooperatives 2. The role of the state and the US social economy In conclusion 3. Worker cooperatives in the post-Occupy digital economy The worker-ownership alternative 4. Argentina’s cooperative challenges and breakthroughs Introduction The post-rebellion Argentine context Argentine worker-recuperated enterprises confront the neoliberal system Overcoming political and economic challenges to the formation of worker cooperatives 5. Argentina’s leading edge Argentine worker cooperatives: a growing phenomenon In conclusion 6. The proliferation and internationalization of the Argentine cooperative experience Cooperatives, civil society and the state In conclusion: prospects for Argentine cooperatives 7. Eminent domain: confronting the loss of jobs in the United States Eminent domain and the solidarity economy 8. Building toward worker cooperatives by the use of eminent domain in the United States Cooperatives and eminent domain as complementary organizations and processes Using eminent domain Why eminent domain? In defense of the working class Worker self-empowerment in the US: beyond factory occupations Final comments 9. Cuban cooperatives as a gateway to economic democracy Conclusion 10. Toward worker autonomy in the United States In conclusion References Interviews Index