Progressive Social Change

Economics -> American Capitalism and Social Justice Fall 11

Though capitalism in America is often criticized, many progressive organizations are trying to promote social justice. Their ideals overlap closely with those of authors Alperovitz, Domhoff, Yates, Bowles, Edwards and Roosevelt.

Authors

In Understanding Capitalism, Bowles, Edwards, and Roosevelt discuss the three-dimensional approach to analyzing economics, offer theories on the workings of the economy, introduce an understanding of the relationship between firms and markets, and offer a critique of the ways in which the existing economic and political systems in the United States address social justice issues.

• Samuel Bowles is a Research Professor at the Santa Fe Institute and is the head of the Behavioral Sciences program. He is also an Economics Professor at the University of Sienna. His current research focuses on analysis of political hierarchies and systemic inequality.
• Richard Edwards is a Professor of Economics at the College of Business Administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His research interests include economics, history and demography.
• Frank Roosevelt, the grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is an economist. His work consists of combining Marxism and capitalism in an effort to promote the employment of social and economic justice.

In Who Rules America?: Challenges to Corporate and Class Dominance, G. William Domhoff sheds light on the socio-economic climate of America and the ways in which the power elite utilize their authority in political and social spheres to maintain dominance in the realm of capitalism.

• Domhoff is a Research Professor of Psychology and Sociology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. In 2007, he was awarded the Constantine Panunzio Distinguished Emeriti Award, which honors the publications of retired UC faculty.

In America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy, Gar Alperovitz advocates for the democratization of wealth and argues for a more just distribution of wealth that will benefit the vast majority.

• Alperovitz is a historian, political economist, activist and writer. He currently teaches Political Economy as a Lionel R. Bauman Professor at the University of Maryland.

In Why Unions Matter, Michael D. Yates promotes the proliferation of unions in America and develops theories that are in support of progressive remodeling of union structures so that they may maximize workers' benefits and standard of living.

• Yates is an editor, writer, and labor educator with a focus on trade unions. He was a Professor of Economics and Labor Relations at the University of Pittsburgh from 1969 until his retirement in 2001.

Demos

Demos is a multi-issue national social movement organization that was founded in 2000 in the state of New York. The organization works continuously to strengthen America's middle class that has been eroded by recent policy shifts. Demos combines research, policy development, and advocacy in order to have influence over public opinion and ultimately create change. Demos works with policy makers and advocates across the country in order to successfully create:

"A robust democracy in which all Americans are empowered to participate"

"A strong public sector that can provide for our common interests and shared needs"

"A more equitable economy with opportunity for all"<ref name="demos">Demos. "Demos". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

The goals of Demos are reflective of Alperovitz's hope to modify America's economy by democratizing wealth. In order to end record breaking economic disparities in America, the ownership of wealth must ultimately be institutionally shifted to benefit the majority. Alperovitz also believes that national democracy cannot be renewed without the strengthening of democracy at a local level. As a national organization, Demos supports a democracy reform network and works largely on both a local and national level as a resource for social justice advocates.

FOCUS ISSUES<ref name="demos"/>

• Economy and opportunity
  
• Democracy and elections
  
• Government and public sector
  
• Trade and international
  
• Sustainability and growth

In Who Rules America Domhoff discusses the large lack of diversity amongst both the corporate community and political officials. Like Domhoff, Demos is in support of more diverse leaders. Supporting leaders from diverse backgrounds may decrease corporate domination in government. Generally, corporate wealth, gives the power elite both direct and indirect influence over appointed officials, policies, and decisions on forefront issues.

In Yates' Why Unions Matter he discusses the important role that unions play in maintaining a strong middle class. He would agree with the goals set forth by Demos because their mission is to ensure that wealth is more equally distributed to all. Demos advocates for "a more equitable economy"<ref name="demos"/> in which Yates would argue is attainable with great use of labor unions. Unions function to ensure that the quality of life is better for workers, and it also provides for more effective collective bargaining that allows workers to have a small hand in deciding the quality of their work. Collective bargaining, however, "does not mean that the employer must come to agreement with the union, only that the employer has the "intent" to reach agreement."<ref>Yates, Michael. Why Unions Matter. 2nd ed..New York. Monthly Review Press, 2009. 83.</ref> For this reason, it is imperative that labor unions make the most of their power to have influence over corporative power when possible.

Five core programs and special projects<ref name="demos"/>:

The Economic Opportunity Program

The Democracy Program

The Fellows Program

The International Program

Our Fiscal Security

Center for American Progress

Highly influenced by the successes of progressives such as Theodore Roosevelt and Dr. Martin Luther King, the Center for American Progress (CAP) is an educational institute that was founded in 2003 by John Podesta. Based in Washington D.C. CAP works to develop new policy ideas, critique conservative policies, challenge media and shape public opinion, all while holding true to American values. These fundamental ideals include the American Dream, meritocracy, and a view of America as the land of freedom and opportunity. CAP addresses 21st century issues that include: energy, national security, immigration, education, health care, economic growth and opportunity.<ref name="cap">Center for American Progress. "The Center for American Progress". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

ISSUES<ref name="cap"/>

• Domestic
  Women's Rights, Civil Rights, Open Government, Bioethics and Sciences, Poverty
• Economy
  Federal Budget, Housing, Retirement, Tax Reform, Global Economy
• National Security
  Global Terrorism, Human Rights, Homeland Security, U.S. Military, War in Iraq
• Energy and Environment
• Media and Progressive Values
  Gay and Transgender Issues, Media, Public Opinion, Race and Ethnicity, Religion and Values

Source: Center for American Progress.

<ref name="cap"/>

Alperovitz's America Beyond Capitalism is a discussion of ways in which America could benefit from a more equitable economy that would better provide opportunity for all to attain wealth. His ideals of democratizing wealth and reforming democracy are reflective of the goals and ideals of CAP. The organizations mission to better economic growth and opportunity for all could be accomplished through alternatives to capitalism as discussed by Alperovitz. He mentions ownership solutions such as share-holder capitalism and stake-holder capitalism that would give workers ownership rights, displacing the power out of the hands of the 1%. Such solutions and alternatives to capitalism would restore power back into the hands of the 99%. Thus, this would not only result in strengthening of the middle class, but it would also seek to be more equally beneficial to all as opposed to one small group of America's elitist.

Alperovitz provided solutions that would possibly resolve large economic disparities discussed by Domhoff in his analysis of who holds power in America's economy and government. Domhoff discusses the corporate dominance in the economic community and its effect governmental decision-making and ultimately the lives of majority of American citizens. Also, in Domhoff's discussion of social issues, he mentions that many of the aforementioned issues that the Center for American Progress addresses, are typically not the subject of conversation amongst major policy groups. For this reason, organizations like CAP must strive to improve the lives of American citizens through progressive ideas and change.

CAP writers published an article titled "Unions Make the Middle Class: Without Unions, the Middle Class Withers."<ref name="article">Center for American Progress. "Unions Make the Middle Class: Without Unions, the Middle Class Withers". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref> An essential part of restoring America's economy begins with rebuilding the once very strong American middle class that are highly dependent upon unions. This article is particularly similar to Yates' discussion of unions in Why Unions Matter. He compares the wages and benefits of union members and non-union members, proving the advantages of union membership. Despite criticism of unions effect on America's economy, unions must play a large role in rebuilding the strength of the middle class.

Grassroots Campaigns, Inc

An independent organization committed to consulting, fundraising, and field organization in support of good causes and candidates. Grassroots Campaigns, Inc (GCI) employs advocates that utilize face to face outreach with everyday American citizens, educating them on progressive issues, causes, and candidates. It was founded in December 2003 and by 2004 had opened offices in over 40 cities throughout the country. GCI has more than 2,000 advocates going door to door to educate voters on behalf of the Democratic National Committee. As a national organization, GCI has raised over $500 million for progressive causes protecting reproductive rights, defending the environment, and advancing marriage equality.<ref name="grassroots">Grassroots Campaigns, Inc. "Grassroots Campaigns, Inc". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

source: [[1]].

Current Campaigns

Amnesty International
American Civil Liberties Union
Oxfam America
Equality California
Save the Children

Having staff that sit on the boards of directors makes GCI a part of the policy planning network and process and opinion-shaping network as described by Domhoff. The organization can directly influence the general public through their commitment to street canvassing and field organization. Though Domhoff argues that the mass media does not significantly influence over public opinion, GCI's strong commitment to direct communication with voters gives them more affect.

In America Beyond Capitalism by Alperovitz he discusses the Pluralist Commonwealth as a way of restoring Americans' faith in fundamental values like equality, liberty, and democracy. In order to do so GCI promotes these values through their efforts to make America's economy more equitable by campaigning for organizations like Oxfam America. Organizations like GCI fight against market manipulation that are "central to the operation of the current corporate-dominated political economic system"<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. John Wiley & Sons, 2005. 76.</ref> by supporting candidates with similar goals that are generally not reflective of conservative ideals.

The Real Utopias Project

<ref name="utopias"/> The Real Utopias Project, begun in 1991, is a series of conferences that are geared toward enacting radical social change. Scholars from across the globe are invited to discuss social issues. A few of these scholars are then chosen to compose essays that will be discussed, revised and challenged through intellectual dialogue. These essays are included in the Real Utopias Project Series.

Mission: Actualize the future existence of a utopian society which fosters ideals that are grounded in reasonable potentials for redesigning social institutions. The Real Utopias Project reflects an ideology that promotes a change in the existing social order through pragmatic analysis of societal problems and then restructuring of society’s institutional design. Through serious and extensive discussion of social issues, the project hopes to prioritize and mobilize fundamental social change. Some of the issues covered in the project’s conferences include property rights and the market, secondary associations, the family, the welfare state.

Published Books of The Real Utopias Project

• Associations and Democracy, by Joshua Cohen and Joel Rogers
• Equal Shares: making market socialism work, by John Roemer
• Recasting Egalitarianism: New Rules for Accountability and Equity in Markets, States and Communities, by Sam Bowles and Herbert Gintis
• Deepening Democracy: innovations in empowered participatory governance, by Archon Fung and Erik Olin Wright
• Redesigning Distribution: basic income and stakeholder grants as cornerstones of a more egalitarian capitalism, by Bruce Ackerman, Ann Alstott and Philippe van Parijs
• Gender Equality: Transforming Family Divisions of Labor, By Janet Gornick and Marcia Meyers <ref name="utopias">The Real Utopias Project. "The Real Utopias Project". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

The mission of the Real Utopias Project reflects the ideals promoted by Alperovitz in that it encourages an alternative reconstruction of society. The scholars who attend the conference of the Real Utopias Project Series and who publish the discussed essays ascribe to Alperovitz’s idea that the problems facing many Americans in the economic, social and political sphere are beyond conventional solutions. Alperovitz notes that the traditional conservative approach to liberty rests on the promotion of a laissez-faire government, in which the reach of a "big government" is reduced, and on the idea that a free market capitalist economy must be protected and perpetuated. A free market economy, according to Alperovitz, is a necessary goal in obtaining liberty and "nurtures the spirit of entrepreneurship and a culture of free individualism"<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. John Wiley & Sons, 2005. 29.</ref>. The project’s publications call for free market solutions, greater racial and gender equality, redistribution of wealth and the strengthening of democracy. It keeps in mind that the current landscape of the U.S. government must be remodeled in order to ensure that equality is maintained within the economy.

Domhoff expressed in his work, Who Rules America?, that public opinion can only have an impact when people are forced out of their routine by social disruption. After having witnessed years of socially disruptive practices that have remained perpetual within American society, The Real Utopias Project came to life in order to promote radical social change and generate proposals to solve social problems.

The scholars involved in the Real Utopias Project are reflective of the visionary leaders that Yates calls on in his work, Why Unions Matter, to lead the radicalization of the labor force. Covered in one of the project’s publications is the division of labor and workers along gender lines. Yates advocates for reform in which union membership is inclusive and will defend the entire working class. He believes once this change occurs, the execution of a unions' goals will be more powerful and effective.

The goals of the Real Utopias Project are consistent with social justice ideals because they call for equity, fair wealth distribution, and the actualization of pure democracy through the reorganization of structures to provide equality of opportunity.

AlterNet

AlterNet is an award-winning magazine and vast web base of original journalism. Their writers provide criticism of the economic, social and political climate. Its aim is to inform its readers and stimulate action and advocacy on the environment, human rights and civil liberties, social justice, media, health care issues, etc. AlterNet provides free online content to its readers in a way that engages them in a culture of debate and information.<ref name="alter">AlterNet. "AlterNet". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

The goals of AlterNet include:

• Providing strong content focused on grassroots success stories, investigative reports, and expert analysis
• Developing an extensive network of readers in order to reach a diverse audience
• Build a strong community and influence on the Web
• Provide readers with pathways to action
• Promote financial stability and sustainability

Similar to Alperovitz, AlterNet encourages people to read and watch news critically. They should consider progressive strategies to address real world problems instead of merely responding with traditional corporate capitalist solutions, a phenomenon that occurs due to the onslaught of commercial media. Alperovitz observes that with the advancements of technology and the World Wide Web, there will likely be "a powerful critique of all justifications of current wealth ownership patterns and a powerful rationale for new, broader allocations and institutional strategies"<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. America Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming Our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. John Wiley & Sons, 2005. 239.</ref>. AlterNet is representative of the technological advancement and abundance that Alperovitz refers to, and it utilizes its influence to encourage individuals to challenge the existing social, political and economic systems.

Domhoff noted that the idea formation process and opinion-shaping networks make it possible for special interest groups, typically the elite, to dominate and control public opinion. While corporate leaders equate liberal opinions with economic illiteracy, they also take no specific position on any social issue because it has no direct bearing on the corporate community. As a result, the public is bombarded with news and media that fosters the opinions of the power elite and that is takes into account only what is beneficial to those in power. Instead of reflecting corporate interests, AlterNet aims to moderate public opinion by supplying information and potential social justice solutions to its targeted audience.

AlterNet's many articles on labor and labor rights reflect Yates’ idea that pluralist competition contributes to democracy and union militancy. Yates believes that in order to make the process of generating policy more democratic and accessible, there must be competition, however the author is also sensitive to the idea of equality, which was an important part of the foundation of the labor movement.

AlterNet celebrates a diversity of opinions, allowing new voices to be heard. It covers issues that help individuals and the government to realize a society that prioritizes social justice imperatives, such as ending the War on Drugs.

Vermont Progressive Party

The Vermont Progressive Party is an American political party founded in 1999 that works toward preserving democracy, guaranteeing inalienable rights, and ensuring the general welfare of citizens who reside in the state of Vermont. The issues put forth by the party's platform include<ref name="vermont">Vermont Progressive Party. "Vermont Progressive Party". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>:

• Healthcare

  Support single-payer and lifetime healthcare free of private, corporate interests

• Education

  Promote public education system, repeal No Child Left Behind Act, replace residential education property tax with progressive income tax, increase funding for special education

• Criminal Justice

  Discontinue War on Drugs, provide educational and financial opportunities to offenders and youth at risk, shift from punishment to rehabilitation for non-violent offenders, enforce penalties against driving under the influence to ensure public safety

• Civil Rights

  Marriage equity for same-sex couples, pro-choice initiatives, zero-tolerance practices toward all forms of racism and discrimination

• Economy

  Make minimum wage equivalent to living wage, ensure perpetuation of unions, promote cooperative, worker-owned public enterprises

• Environment

  Alternative energy sources, protect water, air and biodiversity through strict enforcement of regulations

• Housing

  Ensure safe, affordable housing, eradicate homelessness, put an end to red taping

• Public Participation

  Stimulate serious participation in public sector in order for social initiatives to progress in society dominated by corporate interests

As a political party that envisions social, political and economic change through dynamic and reformist initiatives, the Vermont Progressive Party shares the ideals and reforms prescribed by Alperovitz. It reflects pluralist commonwealth strategies such as strengthening local, civic and political participation, as well as supporting a more efficient and effective use of human resources.

Domhoff noted that the nature of American political parties has made it difficult for citizens to influence policy, especially through the electoral process. Most liberal initiatives tended to not make it to the floor of Congress, and conservatives voted together on issues that related to class conflict. Also, the fact that the power elite are able to dominate political parties and moderate what issues will be on the forefront of their agenda through campaign contributions highlights the ways in which public opinion is devalued in the political sphere. The Vermont Progressive Party enacts public participation and prioritizes liberal initiatives that Domhoff observed were largely ignored by conservative politicians and members of Congress.

In advocating for a worker's right to unionize and earn a living wage, the Vermont Progressive Party encompasses Yates' ideal for unions to move past simplistic frameworks in order to effectively meet workers needs. Yates also calls for labor's need for independent politics, an aim taken up by the political party as it tries to make the economic and political sphere free of private, corporate interests. The Vermont Progressive Party's platform on labor is exemplary of the changes that Yates wishes to see which include employment as a right, meaningful work, democratic control of production, an end to discrimination, and wage and income equality.

The Vermont Progressive Party advocates for democracy, one of the key elements of the three-dimensional approach underscored by Bowles, Edwards and Roosevelt by calling for citizens' input to be taken into account in the political decision-making process.

Overall Social Justice Ideals

• Promote economic, social and environmental justice
• Advertise for sustainability
• Become major political party that protects minority and individual rights and opportunities
• Facilitate access to to needed information, services and resources

The Progressive Change Campaign Committee

Founded by Stephanie Taylor and Adam Green

Includes over 850,000 members across the US

MSNBC dubbed it the “top progressive group in the country

Redistributing Power and Wealth

The PCC supports the 99% movement to challenge the concentration of power and money in the US. Domhoff explains that in America, less than 1 percent of the population is part of the upper class and they overlap greatly with the corporate community. Although there are over 23 million farmers and small businesses, a few hundred corporations monopolize the economy. Farms and small businesses may have local power, but they lack the type of organization that corporations use to effect national policy. Because the 99% is often underrepresented, the PCCC strives to organize and promote their interests.<ref name="pccc">The Progressive Change Campaign Committee. "The Progressive Change Campaign Committee". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

Endorsing Progressive Candidates and Campaigns

The PCC tries to affect change in government by endorsing progressive candidates and raising money for their campaigns. As Domhoff explains, power elites use their influence in the government to create policies that promote their interests. Corporations are often able to use their capital and lobbyists to promote special interests. They might affect regulatory rulings, find loopholes in laws or gain tax breaks. The PCC targets these injustices by campaigning for progressive issues and candidates. They promote the democracy ideal outlined in Understanding American Capitalism by giving influence to underrepresented groups.

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source: [[2]].

Examples

Drafted progressive Elizabeth Warren for the Senate Movement: promotes democracy by giving underrepresented groups political resources

Campaigned to end Bush tax cuts: as Understanding American Capitalism explains, Americans should equitably share the burdens and benefits of capitalism

Strives to protect funding for Medicare, Medicaid and social security: like Alperovitz, the PCC promotes public wealth

Wants Wall Street held accountable: Though as Domhoff explains the advertising council deflects any criticism of corporations by focusing on individual responsibility, the PCC wants Wall Street to be held accountable
The PCC is largely concerned with social justice issues. Though they do not exclusively promote worker run organizations like Alpervoitz, or unions like Yates, the PCC supports such program that help the 99%. Like both authors, the PCC strives to de-concentrate power in the US. The 99% movement is an attempt to break up highly concentrated wealth, which often depends on inheritance or the exploitation of others. The current economic system in America is unjust because individuals often do not get the outcomes that they deserve. PCC endorsed systems strive to promote participatory management by supporting candidates and issues that help farmers, workers and small businesses.

The Democracy Collaborative

The Democracy Collaborative at the University of Maryland created this website as a way to spread awareness about community wealth building activities. They promote community based economic development models that support democracy. Many of these organizations already exist, and can serve as examples for more progressive projects. Today, there are about 4,000 community development organizations. These initiatives promote social justice and Michael Alpert’s four ideals of equity, solidarity, diversity and participatory self-management. Worker-run organizations attempt to give workers economic mobility and the outcomes they deserve. Community development organizations and worker run companies encourage members to work together in solidarity.<ref name="collab">The Democracy Collaborative "The Democracy Collaborative". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

As many Americans look for ways to strengthen their community’s economy, the Democracy Collaborative wants them to be aware of existing alternative economic activities. Like Alpervoitz, they believe that America’s current economic organization does not always promote democracy, equality and participation. These programs share many of Alpervoitz’s ideals for his Pluralist Commonwealth. Like the Commonwealth, these alternative economic activities strive to shift wealth from corporations to the public. Both emphasize community wealth initiatives including community owned and worker owned businesses. Today Democratically run workplaces include over 11,000 employee owned firms and over 100 million members in cooperatively owned businesses. Both Republican and Democratic mayors have begun to support local municipal enterprises, which provide local jobs. Wealth distribution helps more members of these communities. Overall, the collaborative wants to raise awareness about community wealth building strategies and programs that already exist and serve as a resource for other communities.

The Democracy Collaborative shares Domhoff’s vision of wealth distribution. According to Domhoff, indicators of power are who governs, who benefits and who wins in conflicts. By their nature, community and worker owned organizations promote democracy and give power to the 99%. As Domhoff proves, power is usually unfairly concentrated in 1% of the population. The Democracy Collaborative helps promotes fairness by giving workers and small farms more autonomy in a world that generally favors the power elites. Just as Yates promotes workers rights by explaining the importance of unions, the Democracy Collaborative supports benefits for workers. Worker run organizations protect workers rights to fair pay, reasonable work schedules, retirement funds etc. Protecting workers and using their intelligence, talents and time well, promotes efficiency. When workers have breaks for creativity and innovation, they are more efficient. The DCC clearly stresses the importance of fairness, efficiency and democracy, outlined in 'Understanding American Capitalism.

Yes! Magazine

Yes! Magazine strives to give voice to the people who are addressing today’s social, economic and political problems with progressive solutions. In addition to raising awareness about their causes, Yes! Magazine tries to suggest resources for other people looking to make change. The magazine is published by the not-for-profit, the Positive Futures Network. By promoting a diversity of opinion and voices, Yes! Promotes social justice. Though corporately funded media is usually the sole voice heard, Yes! provides space for new opinions.

<ref name="yes">Yes Magazine. "Yes! Magazine". Retrieved on 2012-05-08.</ref>

In order to prevent ad companies from influencing content, the website and magazine are funded through subscriptions and donations. Domhoff explains how advertisers often influence mainstream media sources. Unlike Yes!, the mass media is monopolized by the upper class, who use it to shape public opinion. By providing a forum for new voices, Yes! promotes democracy. Though the magazine does not specifically focus on unions like Yates or new economic initiatives like Alpervoitz, Yes! would cover these progressive topics in their issues. Both authors would value how Yes! raises awareness about the concerns of workers. Yates specifically emphasizes the power of groups linked with common goals. Yes! creates a community of progressive thinkers through its magazine.

Topics Covered

Peace and Justice

Planet

New Economy

People Power

Happiness

Conclusion

All of the aforementioned groups serve as examples of current, progressive social change initiatives. They aim to raise awareness about social injustices and offer innovative strategies to solve them.

They are models of the three-dimensional approach to economics discussed by Bowles, Edwards and Roosevelt which includes:

• Efficiency

  Encourage production that is not wasteful while also maximizing workers' ability to use their intelligence, creativity and time effectively

• Fairness

  Advocate for an equitable economic system in which people are entitled to the fruits of their labor

• Democracy

  Promote an economy in which authority figures are held accountable for their actions, civil rights and liberties are protected, and political resources are made accessible to all citizens.

“In grassroots organizing, based as it must be on rank-and-file control, in struggles for the hearts and souls of our national unions, in alliances with organizations and individuals committed to building the kind of society that is within our grasp, in battles with the employers, whose usefulness becomes less apparent each day, a new labor movement and a new social movement might be born. That is the hope for the future.” -Yates, Why Unions Matter

References

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