The Constitution of Social Democracy: Essays in Honour of Keith Ewing

This book explores the development of social democracy and democratic socialism from comparative, legal, and disciplinary perspectives, addressing the challenges of fragmenting traditional political parties, declining collective bargaining, juristocracy, populist movements, austerity, and the future of the European project. It considers whether legal norms can contribute to the constitution of social democracy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 512 pages
Publication date: 28 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book is a comprehensive exploration of the constitution of social democracy, drawing upon the insights of a distinguished group of international scholars. The papers presented at a conference in honor of Professor Keith Ewing, renowned for his contributions to labor law, constitutional law, human rights, and the law of democracy, form the foundation of this insightful work. The chapters delve into the theoretical and political development of social democracy and democratic socialism, considering these ideologies from various comparative, legal, and disciplinary angles. These developments have unfolded against a backdrop of declining traditional political parties, weakening collective bargaining, concerns about juristocracy and the erosion of popular sovereignty, the rise of populist political movements, austerity measures, and fundamental questions about the future of the European project. Recognizing the significance of this contextual backdrop, the book seeks to examine whether legal norms can and should play a role in shaping the constitution of social democracy. It is an invaluable contribution to addressing these fundamental constitutional questions at the intersection of law, democracy, and political economy, making it a timely and essential read for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social and political change.

The book explores the theoretical and political development of social democracy and democratic socialism, considering these ideologies from various comparative, legal, and disciplinary angles. The chapters delve into the historical roots, theoretical foundations, and practical applications of social democracy and democratic socialism, examining their impact on society and politics. The authors analyze the challenges and opportunities faced by social democratic movements and governments in different regions of the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Latin America. They also address the role of legal institutions and mechanisms in promoting social democracy, such as constitutional law, labor law, and human rights law.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between social democracy and democratic socialism. The authors argue that these ideologies share common goals and values, such as social justice, equality, and the empowerment of workers and marginalized communities. However, they also highlight the differences between these ideologies, such as their approaches to economic policy, political organization, and the role of the state. The book explores the historical and theoretical roots of social democracy and democratic socialism, tracing their development from the 19th century to the present day. It examines the influence of social movements, political parties, and intellectual thinkers on the development of these ideologies, and discusses the challenges and struggles faced by social democratic movements throughout history.

The authors also examine the political and economic challenges facing social democratic movements and governments in the contemporary world. They discuss the impact of globalization, neoliberalism, and the rise of populism on social democratic policies and practices. They argue that social democracy must adapt to these challenges by promoting economic equality, social protection, and democratic governance. The book also explores the role of legal norms and institutions in promoting social democracy. The authors argue that legal frameworks can provide a framework for social democratic policies and practices, and can protect the rights and interests of workers and marginalized communities. They discuss the importance of constitutional law, labor law, and human rights law in shaping social democratic societies and promoting social justice.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of social democracy and democratic socialism. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of these ideologies, their historical development, and their contemporary challenges. The authors offer insightful perspectives on the relationship between social democracy and democratic socialism, the role of legal norms and institutions in promoting social democracy, and the political and economic challenges facing social democratic movements and governments in the contemporary world. This book will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social and political change.

Dimension: 244 x 169 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509945375