Democratic EcoHumanism Market Civilization
In an effort to dramatize his neo-Polanyian critique of neo-liberal global capitalism, Stephen Gill questions the tenability of his own term market civilization, proposing it as oxymoronic in that a market civilization qua the neo-liberal order contradicts Gill's view of civilization qua democratic eco-humanism (i.e. representation, civility, social well-being and inclusion). In this formation, Gill's argument is essentially circular in its reliance on his own subjective standard of civilization, (democratic eco-humanism), to prove the uncivilized nature of the neo-liberal order. By adopting a more objective, (and necessarily more general), definition of civilization, we can disband with Gill's tautology, allowing us to embrace the term market civilization as a precise definition of neo-liberal global capitalism. In doing so, however, we merely adjust Gill's propensity for grandiose formulations; what remains is his well-reasoned explication of the inherent contradictions of neo-liberalism, an explication that underscores the ways in which Anglo-American neo-liberalism departs from a certain aesthetic of civilization as democratic eco-humanism. Though he fails to prove the system uncivilized in the broad sense, Gill's arguments make a strong case for the rise of a Polanyian double movement that would address the critical excesses of the neo-liberal order.
To understand Gill's claim about the oxymoronic nature of market civilization, one must understand the differences between the two relevant definitions of civilization. In Gill's words: "civilization implies not only a pattern of society (def. 1) but also an active historical process that fosters a more humanized, literate a...
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The paper will discuss minicases on ‘The White-Collar Union Organizer’ and ‘The Frustrated Labor Historians’ by Arthur A. Sloane and Fred Witney (2010), to understand the issues unions undergo in the marketplace. There is no predetermined statistical number reported of union memberships in this country. However, “the United Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) excludes almost 2 million U.S wages and salary employees, over half of whom are employed in the public sector, who are represented at their workplaces by a union but are not union members. Not being required to join a union as a condition of continued employment, these employees have for a variety of reasons chosen not to do so. Nor do the BLS estimates include union members who are currently unemployed” (Sloane & Witney, 2010, p.5). Given this important information, the examination of these minicases will provide answers to the problems unions face in organizational settings.
David Brody argues that the rise of contractual or collective bargaining relationships during the post WWII era formalized the relationship between employers and unions, but simultaneously began to put a break on shop floor activism. Explain Brody’s argument and, where relevant, incorporate Weber’s theory of bureaucracy.
Realism hasve hazy contoursa hazy contour and offers only difficult choices in the new world. Globalization has three forms: economic globalization, which has become a cause for inequality among and within states. and tThe concern for global competitiveness limits the aptitude of states, and other actors and institutions to address this problem; cultural globalization, which offers either unification (also Americanization) or reaction against it, takitakesng form in a renaissance of local cultures and denunciation of an arrogant “imperialist” Western culture; political globalization, which is the preponderance of the West and its political institutions, or as Huntignton defines it- the “Davos elite” as Huntington defines it. These forms of globalization, mostly creating resistance rather that integration, it can be inferreddeduce that globalization is far from making history’s end, refuting the thought idea of a universal modern world. (Hoffman,
In an article entitled “Resisting and reshaping destructive development: social movements and globalizing networks”, P. Routledge describes neoliberal development, “Contemporary economic development is guided by the economic principles of neoliberalism and popularly termed ‘globalization’. The fundamental principal of this doctrine is ‘economic liberty’ for the powerful, that is that an economy must be free from the social and political ‘impediments,’ ‘fetters’, and ‘restrictions’ placed upon it by states trying to regulate in the name of the public interest. These ‘impediments’ - which include national economic regulations, social programs, and class compromises (i.e. national bargaining agreements between employers and trade unions, assuming these are allowed) - are considered barriers to the free flow of trade and capital, and the freedom of transnational corporations to exploit labor and the environment in their best interests. Hence, the doctrine argues that national economies should be deregulated (e.g. through the privatization of state enterprises) in order to promote the allocation of resources by “the market” which, in practice, means by the most powerful.” (Routledge)
Firstly, Wood starts off her argument by rejecting the Commercialization model of Capitalism, which is that markets had always existed—the transition to the capitalist market is a change in quantity rather than quality. She disputes the idea that Capitalism is a kind of natural human progress. The distinctive characteristic of the c...
...nce, that while the bourgeoisie can assert its interests everywhere.” (Conklin & Fletcher, 1999, p. 50). Even though today’s society has branched away from an imperialistic mindset, the roots of globalization promote the advancements of power to those who are already very much in power, minus the war and the bloodthirsty monopolizations. To step outside the spectrum of imperialism, and ponder upon today’s world culture, America seems to be shaping the world, as we know it. The blueprint of progress and ever changing industrial, economical and global influences are greatly dependent on that of America and their innovations. It may not be American scientists behind the computers at NASA or behind the keyboards of Windows computers but there are U.S. based industries. The exponential progress of Globalization can be directly linked to American affairs, without a doubt.
Throughout American history, labor unions have served to facilitate mediation between workers and employers. Workers seek to negotiate with employers for more control over their labor and its fruits. “A labor union can best be defined as an organization that exists for the purpose of representing its members to their employers regarding wages and terms and conditions of employment” (Hunter). Labor unions’ principal objectives are to increase wages, shorten work days, achieve greater benefits, and improve working conditions. Despite these goals, the early years of union formation were characterized by difficulties (Hunter).
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Material and ideological conditions are integral components of a market society, which interacted and changed the ways we view market society today. I will discuss the shift from traditional societies to a market society to explain what Polanyi refers to as “the great transformation”. I will then talk about the changes that have occurred in the workplace, the impact on these workers, and the worldview of those in a market society.
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The laws and regulations surrounding Industrial Relations since the 1900’s have, at each reform, placed tighter constraints on the amount of power unions are able to exert. The reforms have also radically increased managerial prerogative, through an increased use of individual bargaining, contracts and restrictions imposed on unions (Bray and Waring, 2006). Bray and W...
A Civilization is a group of people who work together. Therefore, what it means to be civilized is having a well organized, behaved, and ordered society. However, there are different, controversial strategies used to achieve an orderly civilization. So, being civilized can be positive or negative depending on how order is achieved. For example, a civilization can include a fair democracy where everyone is able to vote and participate in the government. In addition, there is equality among the citizens and everyone shares the same rights. In contrast, being civilized could mean having a harsh dictator control the civilization. There is still a well-organized and behaved society, but that is accomplished out of fear and there is no equality. The pros of a civilization are that the economy generally is very strong and functions well, infrastructure is constantly being improved, and the society itself continues to grow and accomplish new things. Cons of a civilization, especially a civilization that is lead by a dictator, is that citizens may not all be equal, or share the same rights, and there may be forced labor. Ralph and Piggy in Lord of the Flies are considered civilized because both use tools of civilization, contribute to maintaining a well organized civilization by using their knowledge and leadership skills, and stay innocent/ not let
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