The Commons: A Force in the Socio-Ecological Transition to Postcapitalism

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the commons,its history,political potential,and limitations. It explores the relations between the commons and public welfare policies,and the role the commons can play in combating the global socioecological crisis. The book draws from political science, economics, history, law, and anthropology to challenge dominant paradigms and understand the destructive processes of capitalism. It also examines the commons' role in emancipatory political projects to deepen democracy in mass industrial societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate world of the commons, offering a clear, rigorous, and critical exploration of its historical roots, political potentialities, limitations, and ambiguities. In particular, it delves into the complex interplay between solidarity and conflict within the commons and public welfare policies, as well as the crucial role it can play in addressing the global socioecological crisis that poses a significant threat to humanity's future.

Over the past decade, the commons has emerged as a central theme in social science and has inspired numerous social movements across the globe. In sociology, economics, political science, history, geography, law, and anthropology, the study of the commons has sparked significant academic innovations. At the same time, community activists, labor unions, ecologists, feminists, and cooperativists have recognized the commons as a powerful and thought-provoking toolkit for defending public services, ensuring access to cultural goods, organizing reproductive and care work, and combating commodification and ecological destruction.

The first two chapters of the book examine the dual origin of the academic rediscovery of the commons. On one side, from the realms of political science and economics, the concept of the commons has been employed as a means to challenge the dominant paradigms rooted in rational choice theory. On the other hand, from the fields of history, law, and anthropology, the analysis of the violent destruction of the commons has deepened our understanding of the coercive and antidemocratic processes that underpin capitalism and our current predicament.

The third and fourth chapters explore the role that the commons can play in emancipatory political projects aimed at deepening democracy. The book argues that the commons can serve as a powerful alternative to capitalist modes of production and distribution, providing a space for collective decision-making, shared resources, and social cooperation. It also highlights the potential of the commons to promote sustainable development, ecological resilience, and social justice.

However, the book also acknowledges the challenges and complexities associated with the commons, including the potential for resource depletion, overuse, and privatization. It emphasizes the need for effective governance, policy interventions, and community engagement to ensure the sustainable management and preservation of the commons for future generations.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of the commons, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of its historical roots, political potentialities, limitations, and ambiguities. It serves as a valuable resource for social scientists, activists, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities posed by the commons in our contemporary world.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032385990