Published
Nov 1, 2024Page count
264 pagesBrowse the series
Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st CenturyISBN
978-1529224542Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 19, 2023Page count
264 pagesBrowse the series
Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st CenturyISBN
978-1529224535Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 19, 2023Page count
264 pagesBrowse the series
Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st CenturyISBN
978-1529224559Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 19, 2023Page count
264 pagesBrowse the series
Alternatives to Capitalism in the 21st CenturyISBN
978-1529224559Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University Press
From Capital to Commons
On the blog:
A commons approach to electricity provision
A Choice Outstanding Academic Title in Economics 2023.
In this stimulating analysis, Hannes Gerhardt outlines the potentials and challenges of a technology-enabled, commons-focused transition out of capitalism.
The book shows that openness and cooperation are more beneficial in today’s economies and societies than competition and profit-seeking. Driven by this conviction, Gerhardt identifies key imperatives for overcoming capitalism, from democratizing our digital, material, and financial economies to maintaining a robust, political mobilization. Using clear examples, he explores tactical openings through the lens of ‘compeerism’, a newly constructed framework that highlights the latent counter-capitalist possibilities, but also limits, of our emerging technological landscape.
This is an accessible contribution to counter-capitalist discourse that is both inspiring and pragmatic for academics and activists alike.
"A thoughtful, ambitious vision for how commoners might leverage digital technologies and open-source practices to usher in a humane, satisfying post-capitalist world. In a time when people’s aspirations for a better world have shrivelled and curdled, Gerhardt invites us to consider the feasible possibilities, if we dare." David Bollier, Schumacher Center for a New Economics
"How do we prevent the appropriation of the commons by capital, and instead, generate capital for the commons? Hannes Gerhardt has written a very useful primer on the way forward.” Michel Bauwens, P2P Foundation
Hannes Gerhardt is Professor of Geography at the University of West Georgia.
Introduction
PART I: Contemporary Capitalism and the Promise of the Digital Revolution
1. Theorizing Capitalism and its Demise
2. The Digital Commons' Elusive Potential
3. Taking Back the Interest
PART II: The Material Economy and the Commons
4. Democratizing Infrastructure
5. The Promise of 'Design Global, Manufacture Local'
6. Contending With the Limits of Our Natural World
PART III: Money and Value
7. Coping With Money's Monopoly on Value
8. Reinventing Money's Role in the Economy
PART IV: In Pursuit of a Post-Capitalist Future
9. Compeerists of the World Unite!
10. A Compeerist Society
Conclusion
