Alternatives to Capitalist Organization of Production/Distribution

Introduction etc,

What is Capitalism?

Capitalism, with its European origins dating back to the 1500s, is an economic system based on private ownership of wealth and of the means of production. As such, one of capitalism's most distinguishing and crucial features is this emphasis of property rights. Property rights allow the owners of the means of production to subordinate the working class through wage labor, and in return, the ruling class gains complete access to all profits. As a system that is intended to maximize profits, Capitalism pits workers against owners, creating a "battle" that has lasted since its beginning. Though Capitalism is responsible for rapid progression and change, the ongoing battle to maximize profits has led to a more competitive society, and consequently, left social goals and social progression in the dust. In short, the system forces each person to put their own interest's above their community's, creating a selfish society.

From it's beginning, capitalism has been responsible for constant changes and innovation, revolutionizing the way the world produces and lives. The system is credited with the growth and expansion of cities, rapid population growth, technological revolutions, globalization, increasing standards of living, and new roles of government.

Today, American capitalism has been responsible for an even greater concentration of wealth and the means of productions in the hands of very few.

Organizations

International Cooperative Alliance

Summary: - ICA is an independent, non-governmental association which unites, represents and serves co-operatives worldwide. - Founded in 1895, ICA has 240 member organisations from 90 countries active in all sectors of the economy. Together these co-operatives represent more than 800 million individuals worldwide. - ICA's priorities and activities centre on promoting and defending the Co-operative Identity, ensuring that co-operative enterprise is a recognised form of enterprise that is able to compete in the marketplace. - It helps individuals, government authorities and regional and international institutions understand the co-operative model of enterprise. ICA is the voice of the co-operative movement. - ICA ensures that the right policy environment exists to enable co-operatives to grow and prosper. It helps its members in their lobbying for new legislation and more appropriate administrative procedures - ICA promotes capacity-building and financial support, it facilitates job creation and supports poverty reduction and microfinance programmes around the world. - Advocacy, linking donors to organizations, create partnerships, capacity (knowledge, development) building