Beyond capitalism and liberal democracy: on the relevance of GDH Cole’s sociological critique and alternative

Masquelier, C. and Dawson, M. (2016) Beyond capitalism and liberal democracy: on the relevance of GDH Cole’s sociological critique and alternative. Current Sociology, 64(1), pp. 3-21. (doi: 10.1177/0011392115588354)

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Abstract

This article argues for a return to the social thought of the often ignored early 20th-century English thinker GDH Cole. The authors contend that Cole combined a sociological critique of capitalism and liberal democracy with a well-developed alternative in his work on guild socialism bearing particular relevance to advanced capitalist societies. Both of these, with their focus on the limitations on ‘free communal service’ in associations and the inability of capitalism to yield emancipation in either production or consumption, are relevant to social theorists looking to understand, critique and contribute to the subversion of neoliberalism. Therefore, the authors suggest that Cole’s associational sociology, and the invitation it provides to think of formations beyond capitalism and liberal democracy, is a timely and valuable resource which should be returned to.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dawson, Professor Matt
Authors: Masquelier, C., and Dawson, M.
Subjects:H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
H Social Sciences > HX Socialism. Communism. Anarchism
J Political Science > JC Political theory
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:Current Sociology
Publisher:Sage
ISSN:0011-3921
ISSN (Online):1461-7064
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Current Sociology 64(1):3-21
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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