Economic and Political Democracy in Complex Times: History, Analysis and Policy

The concept of economic democracy expands beyond workplace democracy to include democratic deliberation and social participation in other areas such as austerity policies, free trade agreements, central bank policies, international investment treaties, and natural resource management. It connects economic democracy with collective choice, social contract theory, Marxian analysis, and libertarian critiques. The book explores the evolution of economic, social, and cultural rights and their impact on social policy and the welfare/developmental state. It emphasizes the critical links between political democracy and economic democracy and the need for a more democratic and socially equitable economy in the 21st century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The concept of economic democracy is closely intertwined with workplace democracy and participation at the enterprise level, representing a vital dimension of this ideology. However, the concept of new economic democracy goes beyond this limited scope, recognizing the need to apply the principles of democratic deliberation and social participation to various other areas of our complex world.

In this comprehensive book, we explore economic democracy from diverse perspectives. We delve into rich historical narratives, spanning from the 19th to the 21st century, highlighting instances of social participation in the economy and society. Through meticulous analysis, we connect the theory of economic democracy with collective choice, social contract theory, Marxian analysis, and libertarian critiques. We identify new areas where the principles of democratic deliberation and oversight can be applied, such as in the adoption of austerity policies, the negotiation of free trade agreements, the conduct of central bank policies, international investment treaties, and natural resource management.

Our journey takes us through the evolution of economic, social, and cultural rights, shedding light on their profound impact on the design and implementation of social policy and the welfare/developmental state. We expand the notion of economic democracy beyond the factory level, encompassing the macro-economy and even global economic governance. We also examine the critical connections between political democracy and economic democracy, emphasizing the urgent need for a more democratic and socially equitable economy in the 21st century.

This book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including economists, political scientists, social activists, philosophers, and sociologists. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of economic democracy and its potential for shaping a more just and sustainable future.

Weight: 410g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032273129