Socialism for a Sceptical Age - Softcover

Miliband, Ralph

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0745614272 ISBN 13: 9780745614274

Publisher: Polity, 1995

Synopsis

This book presents Ralph Miliband's reflections on the world socialists face after the fall of communism and the fundamental changes in social structure which Western societies have undergone in recent times. Miliband argues thta socialism has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but perfectly possible.

About this title

About the Author

Before his recent death, Ralph Miliband was one of the most eminent political thinkers on the Left not only in Britain but across the world. He is well known for his previous books, including The State in a Capitalist Society, which have all sold hundreds of thousands of copies.

From the Back Cover

This original volume offers a critical examination of a number of developments which in recent years have undermined the idea of socialism and eroded its electoral appeal. Among these developments are the collapse of communist regimes, the fragmentation of the constituencies upon which earlier socialist advances depended, changes in the organization and dynamics of capitalism, and a death of agencies committed to the socialist project.

The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of these ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires.

The book argues that a social order dominated by the logic of capital and competition cannot, despite all the positive claims made on its behalf, produce the conditions which make true citizenship and community possible. By contrast, socialism offers an attractive and feasible programme for the realization of these ideals. Miliband argues that socialism cannot be seen as an answer to all the ills which have plagued humankind. Socialism, in his view, has to be understood as part of an age-old struggle for a more just society and he believes that, seen in this light, socialism remains not only desirable but also perfectly possible. Moreover, he believes, socialism will, in time, come to command a majority support which its advancement requires.

Edition details

• Publisher: Polity
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0745614272
• ISBN 13: 9780745614274
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 224