No Bosses - A New Economy for a Better World

Michael Albert's book "No Bosses" advocates for a new economy called participatory economics that promotes self-management, equity, solidarity, diversity, and sustainability. It eliminates elitist, arrogant, dismissive, authoritarian, exploitative, competitive, and homogenization and proposes a built and natural productive commons, self-management by all who work, income for how long, how hard, and the onerousness of conditions of socially valued work, jobs that give all economic actors comparable means and inclination to participate in decisions that affect them, and a process called participatory planning.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2021
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing

The dominant economic system in the world is capitalism, which has led to widespread suffering for the many while the few enjoy immense wealth and privilege. This system is characterized by material deprivation, denial, and denigration, as well as a lack of dignity for many individuals. In his book "No Bosses," Michael Albert advocates for the creation and organization of a new economy based on the principles of participatory economics.

Participatory economics is a vision that seeks to elevate self-management, equity, solidarity, diversity, and sustainability. It rejects elitist, arrogant, dismissive, authoritarian, exploitative, competitive, and homogenizing behaviors. Instead, it proposes a built and natural productive commons, self-management by all who work, income for how long, how hard, and the onerousness of conditions of socially valued work, jobs that give all economic actors comparable means and inclination to participate in decisions that affect them, and a process called participatory planning in which caring behavior and solidarity are the currency of collective and individual success.

Under participatory economics, individuals and communities would have greater control over their economic lives and resources. This would involve the creation of cooperatives, worker-owned businesses, and other forms of collective ownership. Income would be distributed more equitably, with a focus on rewarding hard work and socially valued contributions. Jobs would be designed to provide meaningful work and a sense of purpose, while also promoting diversity and inclusion.

Participatory planning would involve the participation of all economic actors in decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities. This would involve a process of collective bargaining, negotiation, and consensus-building, which would ensure that decisions are made in the interests of all. Caring behavior and solidarity would be valued and rewarded, as they are essential for building strong and resilient communities.

One of the key challenges of participatory economics is the need to overcome the power of corporations and other dominant economic actors. This would involve promoting greater transparency and accountability in the financial system, as well as strengthening the rights and protections of workers and consumers. It would also involve challenging the dominant ideology of individualism and greed, which perpetuates the current economic system and leads to widespread suffering.

Overall, participatory economics offers a vision for a more just and sustainable economic system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals and communities. While there are challenges to be overcome, it is a movement that is gaining momentum and has the potential to transform the way we think about and organize our economic lives.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 140 x 215 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782799467