There’s a book I’ve been meaning to read once I start getting into Marxist economic theory. It’s called Reform or Revolution, written by the 20th century German theorist and revolutionary Rosa Luxemburg. She asks whether we can build socialism through elections or if that requires more radical action. I’m not sure about my own answer, or Rosa’s reasoning, but I know where Lane Kenworthy falls on this line. He assumes the United States of America doesn’t need a socialist revolution. We can make a gradual transition toward an adequate and healthy social democracy. In fact, Kenworthy argues, we’re already well on our way.
Kenworthy’s text is informative. It contains a great deal of cited studies, tables, and graphs. They argue that government insurance and welfare programs can secure a better quality of life for Americans. They also help the economy grow more consistently and equitably. We can have healthcare for all and education for all. We can secure universal childcare and expand Social Security. We can issue unemployment insurance and other basic guarantees of life without a revolution. Kenworthy points out that we are slowly expanding the cost and scope of the welfare state regardless of which party holds power. That would seem to support his argument.
Yet this view that we can build social democracy through gradual means seems naive to me. It assumes that our leaders genuinely want to maximize prosperity for all people. I can’t say anyone I’ve met that believes such a thing anymore. If I did, boy would I have some leading questions for them. We can’t take for granted that politicians will choose the best course simply because available data shows it to be the best course. The last couple of years definitely disproved that politicians will act in this way.
I appreciated the read, and plenty of the information was helpful. But I wouldn’t hold out for Lane Kenworthy’s vision of political change to take place, at least on these terms. Suppose we reach the same destination. I predict our route will be more contentious, roiling and strange than the author expects.
Social Democratic America
This academic argues that America will eventually guarantee healthcare, pensions, full employment, higher education and more because the data proves it makes sense. I mean yeah, it does, but ...
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