Research- 'The alternative to capitalism'

The alternative to capitalism

Adam Buick and John Crump

After attending this novel’s launch on Saturday (11th march) I aim to share my own thoughts, feelings and responses to such.  The launch was an interesting discussion of social trends and their place within our current capitalist state. This includes reflection of music, arts and generation fluctuations. All of which seem to mimic the ebb and flow of political and social change.

Firstly, I would recommend the book to anyone interested in alternative societal structures and the possibility of bringing capitalism down. Many hold hostility toward capitalist issues however having an informed view is always vital to structure an opposition effectively.

However, within the book launch I was disappointed to see that there was a lack of variety and diversity  within the room. This is an issue due to the fact that capitalism and all that surrounds such is a far reaching topic that roots much of society. Therefore, it seems ludicrous for the discussion of changing this system be given to a small minority of not particularly representative individuals. Ideas do not develop in a room of others that agree with you. Therefore, this willed me to consider the vitality of spreading the information and the issues that the book raises. The books do underpin this notion, of education in order to drive social change in a holistic and progressive manner. Within my own generation, the issue seems to hold in the fact that much of the age group do not have a stance within the political sphere. As a result, the prospect of changing the structure is unimaginable as the ‘rebels’ needed are no longer interested as the social injustices do not directly affect them. The notion of separate capitalist  structures across the world and areas of society is ‘only an illusion. There is only one capitalist system and its worldwide’ (A.Buick and J.Crump; The alternative the capitalism. Theory and Practice 2017). The globalised economy has seen this happen. As lecturer David Perrin Highlighted within the discussion, rebellion has seemingly lessened in fashion due to the ‘every man for himself’ notion of modern society. The generation of rebellion has dyed with the ever increasing need to be part of the capitalist structure or be left behind.

The book explains (as well as possible) the structure of capitalism and how it became to overruling structure within society. Although complicated, the explanation is concentrated to 25 pages, which, is a very brief explanation for a complex structure that seeps into every fabrication of civilisation. This then progresses to discuss the alternative society built from the ruins of capitalism. This is often frowned upon due to the frightening nature of a changing social structure. However, within this book, the changes are explained fully and applied to all aspects of society. The effects are honestly discussed and although some sections require re-reading for clarification, the overall proposal is less apocalyptic than the notion of ‘it is easier to image the end of the world than the end. of capitalism’ . This therefore is seemingly a more progressive outlook into the situation. Many books and written word regarding the issue often seem to document without offering a positive outlook.  This documentation, although vital, does not often aid a forward thinking needed to inspire a generation that change is possible and key if issues such as environmental catastrophe are to be avoided. The short book offers a structural explanation of a possible societal situation which would see the fall of capitalism and the rise of socialism. An aspect stressed in the book was the difficulty of a ‘transitioning’ society, that there should not be a midground but a direct shift. To get through this jolt transition ‘revolutionary enthusiasm’ would be the driving force. Although fully sparked in many already, this great drive for the future and political interest is an aspect that currently, much of society is lacking. If this enthusiasm was present, then harmful, detrimental capitalism would have already been removed. The comfort blanket of the system, paired with the self-defeatist notion of individualism is keeping people where the overarching power wishes those individuals to sit.

The book closes with a statement sparking action from within the reader to be part of a rebellious notion for a better future.

‘Only the complete abolition of the market, classes, the state and national frontiers offers hope for the future’.