Student Activism
Economics -> American Capitalism and Social Justice Spring 12
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS)
What is SDS?
SDS is a radical student organization that advocates on the behalf of the American youth in schools and communities. The SDS is entirely student run, with over 100 chapters on various college campuses, and in high schools throughout the nation.<ref>Students for a Democratic Society. "Who is SDS?." SDS: Dare to struggle, Dare to win!. Students for a Democratic Society, n.d. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.newsds.org/about-us>.</ref>
Goals of SDS and How They Will be Achieved
Members of this organization emphasize the importance of implementing change “from the bottom up.”<ref name=SDS>Students for a Democratic Society. "Who is SDS?." SDS: Dare to struggle, Dare to win!. Students for a Democratic Society, n.d. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.newsds.org/who-sds >.</ref> This means that every member’s initiatives are instrumental in introducing positive change. SDS recognizes problems in our economy, with our environment, and in our government. SDS states that there is strength in numbers, and aim to retrieve power in America from the hands of the few wealthy, and restore it to all members of the American community at large. Their platform includes plans for democratic, accessible education, immigration reforms, and climate change and justice. It offers ways in which students can get involved with a movement that is of their interest and will be impactful.<ref name=SDS />
SDS acknowledges that struggles will be faced because of the numerous oppressive, racist, white supremacist, capitalist, heterosexist, and patriarchal institutions that are currently engrained in American society. However, the SDS promises to take “on these systems by nourishing interconnected and mutually sustaining struggles of liberation.”<ref name=SDS /> Issues that arise throughout the country are handled by chapters who are affected by the issue.
Leaders of SDS highlight the difference between being an organizer and an activist, and stress that members of SDS are organizers. The document “Who We Are, What We are Building”<ref name=mission>Students for a Democratic Society. "Who is SDS?." SDS: Dare to struggle, Dare to win!. Students for a Democratic Society, n.d. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.newsds.org/who-sds?q=node/4 >.</ref> acts as the mission statement for the organization, and defines organizers as “activists who also work to bring many other people into movements.”<ref name=mission />Currently over 150 chapters exist throughout the country, and these chapters come together to create a powerful, impactful student movement in America.
Accomplishing Social Justice
The goals of SDS are consistent with the ideals of social justice discussed in the ECON223: American Capitalism and Social Justice Course. SDS aims to create a more equitable, cohesive society that involves all members of the American citizenry, and minimizes difference amidst these people. This is in line with the theories and visions of social justice outlined throughout the semester in the course. While SDS platform does encompass many issues, it does focus on education reform in all chapters throughout the country, as SDS believes that education is a gateway into the future and into society, and thus should be accessible to all Americans.
SDS and Authors
SDS and Alperovitz
SDS makes extensive efforts to maintain a broad platform that addresses the wide variety of issues in society. In doing so, the SDS successfully attracts a myriad of students to get involved with issues they are passionate about. That being said, the SDS does publish a national campaign platform to ensure cohesiveness between the numerous chapters throughout the country. SDS national platform zeroes in on the American education system, and advocates intensive reformation to garner an atmosphere in which education is a societal right, not an economic privilege.<ref>Students for a Democratic Society. "Who is SDS?." SDS: Dare to struggle, Dare to win!. Students for a Democratic Society, n.d. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.newsds.org/our-campaigns>.</ref> SDS aims to lower the costs of higher education to make it more accessible to the majority of American youth. SDS does not protest the faculty and professors of higher education institutions, but rather joins with them to fight the rising student tuition costs and simultaneous employee lay-offs. Class sizes also continue to increase, despite the fact that the faculty is not expanding, thereby creating more work for professors for less money.
This initiative is connected to the reforms and ideals advocated by Gar Alperovitz because it supports the restoration of power in the hands of the masses. Acquiring an education is essential in obtaining a self-supporting job in adulthood, and to be able to act as an informed, conscientious citizen of America. Alperovitz emphasizes the importance of “move[ing] the nation as a whole toward[s] greater equality,”<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. American Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005. 71.</ref> and proposes ways in which America can achieve this through his Pluralist Commonwealth model. His model proposes increasing the efficiency and use of human resources, and Alperovitz points out that America “currently throw[s] away literally millions of productive people whose contributions to the economy could be enormous…minority and other low-income students with high test scores are five times as likely not to attend college than high-income students with comparable scores.”<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. American Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005. 77.</ref> This is simply because higher education is not affordable, and thus creates large differences between those who can afford attendance and those who cannot. The protests, marches, and pledges sent to Congressmen by SDS are all initiatives that not only call attention to the unfortunate realities that Alperovitz explores, but also proposes solutions to correct these societal disparities.
SDS initiatives to reform the American education system will allow Americans to reclaim their wealth because it will level the competition for good jobs that offer security, benefits, and a comfortable wage. This will expand the upper class population, and increase the accessibility of opportunities for Americans. Reforms will also restore liberty and democracy by highlighting that the right to acquiring an education should not be a privilege, and should not be deprived of someone simply because they cannot afford it. Alperovitz reiterates that everybody can contribute to society in his or her own way, and education is a valuable gateway in helping to recognize one’s talents and career path. <ref>Alperovitz, Gar. American Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005. 73.</ref> Lowering the costs of education will give people the liberty to make informed decisions regarding their future, and create an atmosphere that is both equitable and democratic.
SDS and Domhoff
G. William Domhoff published a book that analyzed the largest power structures in America, and the various networks that they control. He defined and detailed the superiority and authority that corporate communities, power elites, corporate officials, and members of the upper class have over the military, economic, and political systems in America. Domhoff addresses that social cohesion within these wealthy groups lead to the development of policies and institutions that protect the interests of these groups. Despite the fact that upper classes hate to discuss their upper-class status, this superiority is maintained in numerous subtle ways that subsequently perpetuate stratification in American society.<ref>Domhoff, G. William. Who Rules America? Challenges to Corporate and Class Dominance. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2010. 3.</ref> SDS reforms to make higher education more accessible to Americans of the lower [and consequently, larger] classes are in direct accordance with Domhoff’s analysis. Maintaining such steep costs of education excludes capable Americans from lower classes because they cannot afford attendance, thereby favoring the wealthy and equipping them with opportunities and resources that will make them superior candidates in competitions for jobs, promotions, and pay increases. SDS notes these unjust occurrences, and directly attacks the power elite at college/universities that justify these inequalities. Domhoff’s book highlights the concentration of power in America in the hands of the wealthy, and explains the necessity of deconstructing these communities. In doing so, benefits (such as higher education) produced from enacted policies will impact the lives of all Americans, and not just the wealthy power elite that dominates the government.<ref>Domhoff, G. William. Who Rules America? Challenges to Corporate and Class Dominance. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2010. 180.</ref>
SDS and Yates
SDS reforms and visions can also be directly linked to ideas conveyed by Michael Yates. Like SDS, Yates asserts the strength in numbers when working to implement change.<ref>Yates, Michael D. Why Unions Matter. 2nd ed. New York: Monthly Review Press, 2009. 33.</ref> He advocates the unionization of workers, which is simply the banding together of people under a cause in which people feel passionate about. Yates comments that a variety of passions and beliefs is pivotal in developing a strong bargaining structure. A bargaining structure is the group of people that proposes change, and is thus responsible for the presentation of the argument and the communication of the desired changes.<ref name=Y>Yates, Michael D. Why Unions Matter. 2nd ed. New York: Monthly Review Press, 2009. 93.</ref> Yates orients his statements around labor unions, however his theories are applicable to SDS actions, as well. Yates comments “if the workers in the bargaining unit all do the same type of work (for example, teachers), the structure is narrow, as opposed to a broad structure in which the unit consists of many different types of jobs (janitors, assembly line workers, packers).”<ref name=Y /> An interdisciplinary bargaining structure reaches out to a broader audience, and becomes relatable to different groups of people. Gaining wide support is instrumental in achieving goals of the organization and effecting change. SDS attracts a diverse group of people to the movement because of the variety of issues in which they advocate at the local level. Thus, this assortment of opinions and personalities of people in SDS lends to the strength of the organization and its reforms.
SDS and Bowles, Edwards, & Roosevelt
As stated by Bowles, Edwards, & Roosevelt, the goal of a capitalist society is to employ laborers to produce goods with the intent of maximizing profit.<ref>Bowles, Samuel, Richard Edwards, and Frank Roosevelt. Understanding Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Changr. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 4.</ref> In the quest to make and maintain a profit, numerous events occur that jeopardize the efficiency of production, fairness of the process, and the democratic system. In a broad sense, these shortcomings of capitalism are pinpointed and combated by SDS efforts at education reform.
Efficiency within capitalism is defined as “the production of useful goods and services.”<ref>Bowles, Samuel, Richard Edwards, and Frank Roosevelt. Understanding Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Changr. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 63.</ref> This definition can be directly applied to SDS goals of lowering the costs of education to increase access for additional members of the American citizenry. In lessening the cost to obtain a higher education, more Americans will become useful, contributive members to the national society. Their services will be beneficial for the commonwealth, and the lazy, shiftless, incompetent people will be diminished from the population.
SDS initiatives will also lead to increased fairness within America. Fairness means “that people in an economic system suffer the burdens and enjoy the benefits of that economic system equitably.”<ref>Bowles, Samuel, Richard Edwards, and Frank Roosevelt. Understanding Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Changr. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 64.</ref> With reforms in higher education, more people will have an opportunity to apply for well-paying jobs. A more intelligent, prepared population will increase competition for employment, and this increased employment will yield a productive citizenry. Higher levels of wealth for more families in America will allow an increased percentage of the population to participate in the American economic system, and consume goods that will stimulate the economy.
Finally, it is important to ensure that changes to policies and institutions within America do not hinder the democratic ideals that are embedded within our governmental declarations. Changes proposed by SDS directly engage higher education institutions, and advocate for “accountability of power, respect for civil liberties…and equal opportunity for effective political participation.”<ref>Bowles, Samuel, Richard Edwards, and Frank Roosevelt. Understanding Capitalism: Competition, Command, and Changr. 3rd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. 66.</ref> Extending opportunities for higher education is an action that embodies the ideals of democracy, as power is restored to the majority of the American citizenry. The acquirement of higher education equips a citizen with the knowledge and capability to participate, engage, and challenge power structures and policies within America, an opportunity that is distinctively democratic.
United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS)
What is USAS?
Established in 1997, United Students Against Sweatshops (USAS) is a youth and student-run organization based in Washington, DC. While its name implies a struggle specifically against sweatshops, it broadly defines sweatshops as encompassing all violations of worker rights in the global economic system.
Goals of the USAS and How They Will be Achieved
The grassroots organization works by utilizing five principles to reach their goal of shifting a competitive world to a more cooperative world, and to free workers from oppression and exploitation to fulfill profit and productivity goals.
-Solidarity -Collective Liberalism -Grassroots Democracy -Diversity of Tactics -Pluralism
Solidarity ensures collective agreement towards the ideas behind the USAS. Through a movement based on solidarity among students, the collective force therefore has greater resonance throughout society. The movement to end labor injustices utilizes this strategy and places its strength within it. As students, the identity connected with higher education allows for a unique perspective within the community, only made stronger through collective influence.
Collective liberalism is connected to solidarity, but ensures equal values of members of the movement. Through ideas such as the fight against oppression in society, whether it be racism, classism, etc, the collective liberalism of the organization helps its legitimacy and makes it more effective. Global justice is the basis of the organization, and it is important that all members value the same goals.
This student-led organization is grassroots, rising from the bottom up. Through utilizing the power of the people, the values en masse are reflected in the movement. It is self-organized, showing the commitment and capability for the development of an effective movement for social justice.
Tactics for change resolve around "nonviolent direct action and civil disobedience." Together as a movement, such campaign tactics become noticed and can be effective to bring attention to social injustices and the need for change.
Pluralism ensures that many perspectives are included in the dialogue towards the broad societal goals, and while disagreements may occur, support of one another ensures that despite differences, a common goal prevails.
Accomplishing Social Justice
The USAS seeks social justice in the campaign towards freedom from oppression for workers around the world.
USAS and Authors
USAS and Alperovitz
USAS and Domhoff
USAS and Yates
USAS and Bowles, Edwards, & Roosevelt
Campus Activism
What is Campus Activism?
Goals of Campus Activism and How They Will be Achieved
Accomplishing Social Justice
Campus Activism and Authors
Campus Activism and Alperovitz
Campus Activism and Domhoff
Campus Activism and Yates
Campus Activism and Bowles, Edwards, & Roosevelt
Democracy Matters
What is Democracy Matters?
Democracy Matters is a non-partisan student organization that consists of high school fellows programs and college campus chapters throughout the nation. Democracy Matters partners with the organization, Common Cause, and works to strengthen the true democratic ideals of America. Democracy Matters supports the involvement of people in politics, and aims to remove the “big private money.”<ref name=USA>Democracy Matters. "Mission and History." Democracy Matters: Change Elections. Change America. Democracy Matters, 2010. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.democracymatters.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=111:mission-and-history&catid=40&Itemid=70>.</ref> The organization was founded in 2001 and focuses on training students to be efficacious grassroots organizers, and fighting for public financing of election campaigns. Democracy Matters hopes to profoundly change the way in which elections are financed. In deconstructing the relationship between politics and money, Democracy Matters aims to restore the power of politics and government to the people of America. <ref name=USA />
Goals of Democracy Matters and How They Will be Achieved
Accomplishing Social Justice
Democracy Matters and Authors
Democracy Matters and Alperovitz
Democracy Matters initiatives align on a basic level with Alperovitz’s visions of extensive reform of the American federal government. Alperovitz explores notions of a “regional devolution”<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. American Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005. 67.</ref> in which power on the state level would be vastly increased. Alperovitz points out that far too much power is concentrated within the hands of a few people, as their decisions and policies impact a geographical space “that is larger than all the other advanced industrial (OECD) countries taken together.” [66] Alperovitz acknowledges these repercussions: “the extraordinary cost of modern campaigning in large areas has added to the advantages that scale gives to wealthy elites and corporations, thereby further undermining democratic possibilities.”<ref>Alperovitz, Gar. American Beyond Capitalism: Reclaiming our Wealth, Our Liberty, and Our Democracy. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2005. 66.</ref> This is exactly the issue that Democracy Matters is working to resolve. Politicians rely on financial donors to fund their campaigns, and subsequently repay these wealthy backers through the implementation of policies that benefit this exclusive portion of the population. Democracy Matters recognizes this unfair reality and promotes the reform of campaign finance laws to ensure that desires regarding national legislation outside of the affluent circle are heard.<ref name=Dom>Democracy Matters. "Why We Need Reform." Democracy Matters: Change Elections. Change America. Democracy Matters, 2010. Web. 2 May 2012. <http://www.democracymatters.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=65:why-we-need-reform&catid=36&Itemid=66>.</ref>
The Democracy Matters platform will help to reclaim wealth for the American people through implementation of policies that outlaw campaign funding from private benefactors. Without exclusive sponsorship, politicians will feel less inclined to pass policies that favor a small piece of the population, and will instead be reminded of their civic duty to the people as a representative of the people. This will result in policies that do not unfairly safeguard upper class wealth, but rather spread wealth throughout society. Additionally, Democracy Matters initiatives will restore liberty and democracy to the citizenry by garnering an atmosphere in which anyone can run for a political position. Without the need to gain substantial financial backing for campaigns, the election process will become more democratic and safeguard the liberties of individual Americans.
Democracy Matters and Domhoff
Domhoff devotes an entire chapter in his book “Who Rules America?” to discussing the dangerous relationship between wealthy, power elites and American political processes like elections and campaigns. Domhoff acknowledges that elections are an opportunity in America for the citizens to effect change within the government by voting for candidates whose policies they support.<ref>Domhoff, G. William. Who Rules America? Challenges to Corporate and Class Dominance. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2010. 149.</ref> However, upon election into office, the elected representatives of the people abandon their campaign promises. Newly elected politicians instead conform to corporate community needs and desires because members of those corporate communities funded the political campaign.<ref>Domhoff, G. William. Who Rules America? Challenges to Corporate and Class Dominance. 6th ed. Boston: McGraw Hill, 2010. 159.</ref> This reality is reason that Democracy Matters was founded, and is the driving reason that the organization continues to exist today. American people have begun to “distrust the government because they believe that wealthy special interests have more influence in Washington and in state capitols than do voters.”<ref name=Dom /> Despite the fact that policymakers face a number of pressing issues on a daily basis, Democracy Matters strives to push campaign financing policies to the forefront of political issues, as they believe that once change is effected in this realm, all other policies will be approached in a more positive, less biased manner.
Democracy Matters and Yates
Democracy Matters and Bowles, Edwards, & Roosevelt
References
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