Unions, Strikes, Shaw: "The Capitalism of the Proletariat"

Unions, strikes, and Shaw are explored in the book "The Capitalism of the Proletariat" in relation to Bernard Shaw's socialist, dramatist, public speaker, and union member activities. He urged workers to join unions, which he called "the Capitalism of the Proletariat," as capitalists try to get as much labor as possible from workers while paying them as little as possible. He opposed general strikes as destined to fail, since owners can hold out longer than workers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 102 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

The Capitalism of the Proletariat is a groundbreaking work that delves into the life and ideas of Bernard Shaw, a socialist, dramatist, public speaker, and union member. This book explores the intricate relationship between unions and strikes, shedding light on Shaw's unique perspective on these powerful movements.

For over half a century, Shaw tirelessly advocated for workers to join unions, which he paradoxically referred to as "the Capitalism of the Proletariat." In his view, unions represented a way for workers to fight back against the exploitative practices of capitalists, who sought to maximize profits by paying workers as little as possible. On the other hand, unions aimed to secure high wages and working conditions for their members, while minimizing the amount of labor they had to perform.

Shaw's opposition to general strikes was based on his belief that owners could hold out longer than workers, who had less financial resources to support them during strikes. He argued that general strikes were destined to fail, as they would only serve to weaken the unions and further entrench the power of the employers. Instead, Shaw favored targeted strikes and negotiations as means of achieving labor rights and improving working conditions.

This book provides a comprehensive background on major strikes that occurred in and before Shaw's time, including the Colorado Coalfield War and the Dublin Lockout, both in 1913. It then analyzes the causes, day-by-day events, and consequences of Britain's 1926 General Strike, which was one of the most significant labor movements in history. Throughout the book, Shaw's ideas and insights are intertwined with the historical context, making it an invaluable resource for understanding the dynamics of unions and strikes in our own time.

In conclusion, The Capitalism of the Proletariat is a seminal work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the relationship between unions and strikes. Through his analysis of historical events and his own experiences as a union member, Shaw provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of labor movements and the ongoing struggle for workers' rights. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice, labor history, and the power of collective action.

Weight: 296g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030991302
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022