Associative Democracy (eBook)

Paul Hirst is Professor of Social Theory, Birkbeck College, University of London.

Acknowledgements.

1. A Changed Conjuncture.

2. Associative Principles and Democratic Reform.

3. Associational Ethics and Logics of Collective Action.

4. Associative Democracy and Economic Governance.

5. Current Realities and Economic Reform.

6. Thick Welfare, Thin Collectivism.

7. An Associational and Confederal Welfare State.

Reference.

Suggestions for Further Reading.

Index.

'Who speaks against democracy? No one. But unthinking consensus is
a danger; turning a still novel concept into a received idea. By
contrast Paul Hirst shows how difficult and important the term is,
how contested its content still remains, and how significant are
its links to the economy as well as the polity. His major study
confirms that democracy has only just arrived. Associative
Democracy will be a benchmark for the debate over where
democracy can, and should, lead human society.' Anthony Barnett,
Co-ordinator Charter 88

'This is an important and invigorating contribution to ongoing
debates about welfare and governance in contemporary Western
societies. It deserves to be widely read.' Political Studies
Association

'Representative government and corporate bureaucracy have
dominated the 20th century. In this book Paul Hirst has the bold
ambition of reviving the alternative 19th century traditions of
pluralism, co-operation and voluntary association to complement if
not replace them. But he modifies these alternatives both in theory
and by reference to recent institutional experiment. It is an
attractive prospect, delineated with force and learning.' James
Cornford, Institute for Public Policy Research

'This very clearly written and original book should play a key
role in the increasingly intense, and hopefully productive,
argument about the revitalisation of democratic systems.'
Sociology

'Hirst defends his proposal with commendable confidence and
vigour. It has a pleasing plausibility, and it is good to see
genuinely radical suggestions being advanced at the present time.'
Radical Philosophy

'... This persuasive book, ... full of sharp insights.'
British Journal of Sociology