Policy Press

Alternative Societies

For a Pluralist Socialism

By Luke Martell

Published

Feb 24, 2023

Page count

230 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529229677

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 24, 2023

Page count

230 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529229660

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 24, 2023

Page count

230 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529229684

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 24, 2023

Page count

230 pages

Browse the series

Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st Century

ISBN

978-1529229684

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Alternative Societies

In a time of great gloom and doom internationally and of major global problems, this book offers an invaluable contribution to our understanding of alternative societies that could be better for humans and the environment.

Bringing together a wide range of approaches and new strands of economic and social thinking from across the US, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa, Luke Martell critically assesses contemporary alternatives and shows the ways forward with a convincing argument of pluralist socialism.

Presenting a much-needed introduction to the debate on alternatives to capitalism, this ambitious book is not about how things are but how they can be!

“This book provides a fascinating and comprehensive account of various alternatives to the status quo and shows that another world beyond global capitalism is in fact possible.” Simin Fadaee, University of Manchester

"This book presents an outstanding account of the state of current debates facing those on the left who want to envisage, and create, an alternative society. As Luke Martell shows in such an engaging way, the question of ‘how to change the world’ has produced multiple answers, each with their own limitations. The strength of this book is that it somehow manages to introduce each of these different approaches in a truly comprehensive way, at the same time as making a clear argument that what we need is socialism with pluralism. The book is a must-read for anyone considering what those hoping for a more equal society should do today." David J. Bailey, University of Birmingham

"In a world searching for radical alternatives to destructive development and politics Martell's book is very welcome, especially as it grounds concepts and theories of transformation in the practice of living initiatives spanning an impressive spectrum of human endeavour. Must be read by young people everywhere, to inspire a new generation to dream and act for justice, equity and restoring peace with the earth." Ashish Kothari, Kalpavriksh and Global Tapestry of Alternatives

"A masterful job. I see it being an indispensable text for students of political science, sociology, environmental studies, and more. It guides a path through a vast literature, and is written with such generosity and patience." Ariel Salleh, Queen Mary University London and Nelson Mandela University

"At a time when the end of the world appears to be much more plausible than the end of capitalism (an insight which, paradoxically, makes us keep calm and carry on), Martell’s concrete utopian reminder is urgently needed: another world is not only possible but its seeds are already sown." Journal for the Study of British Cultures

Luke Martell is Professor of Sociology at the University of Sussex.

Introduction

1. Alternative Economies

2. Social Alternatives

3. Utopianism and its Critics

4. Socialism and its Critics

5. The Democratic Economy

6. Alternative Globalization

Conclusion