Neo-Abolitionism: Abolishing Human Rentals in Favor of Workplace Democracy

This book proposes the abolition of the employment system in favor of workplace democracy and reframes the debate as the employment contract, challenging the capitalism-versus-socialism binary choice. It argues for the abolition of owning and renting other people based on three recovered rights-based theories: inalienable rights theory, natural rights or labor theory of property, and democratic theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 155 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book makes a compelling case for the abolition of the employment system in favor of workplace democracy, offering a fresh perspective that avoids the traditional capitalism-versus-socialism binary choice. By reframing the central issue as the employment contract rather than private property or a market economy, the author challenges the prevailing frameworks and offers a more comprehensive approach.

The author's argument extends the legacy of abolitionism, which historically aimed to end the ownership of other people. In its modern form, known as neo-abolitionism, this philosophy would also encompass the abolition of renting, hiring, employing, or leasing others. The foundation of the book's argument rests on three recovered theories, each of which is sufficient to lead to the neo-abolitionist conclusion. These theories are developed throughout the book, providing a deep understanding of the political economy, workplace democracy, rights-based theories, and the employment system.

The first theory is the inalienable rights theory, which asserts that individuals possess certain fundamental rights that cannot be taken away or violated. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the right to own and control property. The author argues that these rights should extend to the workplace, where employees should have the right to participate in decision-making processes, express their opinions, and enjoy fair wages and benefits.

The second theory is the natural rights or labor theory of property, which emphasizes the inherent value of human labor and the right to own and control the fruits of one's labor. The author argues that the employment relationship should be based on mutual respect and cooperation, with employees having the right to control their work and receive fair compensation for their efforts. This theory also challenges the notion of private property as a means of accumulation and inequality, advocating for a more equitable distribution of resources.

The third theory is the democratic theory, which is based on a democratic constitution that delegates governance rights to the people rather than a non-democratic constitution that alienates governance rights. The author argues that workplace democracy should be characterized by employee participation, transparency, and accountability, with decisions being made through collective bargaining and consensus. This theory also emphasizes the importance of social and economic justice, advocating for policies that promote equality and reduce inequality.

The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a better understanding of the political economy, workplace democracy, rights-based theories, and the employment system. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the current challenges and opportunities facing workers and offers practical solutions for creating a more democratic and equitable workplace. By challenging the dominant narratives and promoting a more holistic approach, this book contributes to the ongoing debate about the future of work and the role of government in shaping it.

Weight: 267g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030626785
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021