Social egalitarian political philosophy - a broad tradition encompassing socialists, communists, and social democrats - transformed the world during the last century and continues to hold a vital position on the ideological landscape today. Yet, the core values behind social egalitarianism have often been obscured by political competition and scholarly debate. Why are socialists, communists, and social democrats concerned with the distribution of wealth? Why do they place so much importance on public goods such as education and health care? To what extent does democracy matter to social egalitarians? In The Politics of Equality, Jason C. Myers sheds new light on questions such as these, providing a readable, contemporary introduction to egalitarian political philosophy. Concentrating on ideas and values, rather than on the rise and fall of parties and movements, the book offers crucial insights into a vital tradition of political thought and how it is key to our understanding of key contemporary debates over issues such as national health care, privatization, and economic regulation. This is essential reading for anyone interested in constructing a more just society.
Social egalitarian political philosophy - a broad tradition encompassing socialists, communists, and social democrats - transformed the world during the last century and continues to hold a vital position on the ideological landscape today. Yet, the core values behind social egalitarianism have often been obscured by political competition and scholarly debate. Why are socialists, communists, and social democrats concerned with the distribution of wealth? Why do they place so much importance on public goods such as education and health care? To what extent does democracy matter to social egalitarians? In The Politics of Equality, Jason C. Myers sheds new light on questions such as these, providing a readable, contemporary introduction to egalitarian political philosophy. Concentrating on ideas and values, rather than on the rise and fall of parties and movements, the book offers crucial insights into a vital tradition of political thought and how it is key to our understanding of key contemporary debates over issues such as national health care, privatization, and economic regulation. This is essential reading for anyone interested in constructing a more just society.
Introduction 1. Historical Materialism 2. Equal Freedom 3. Economy and Society 4. Democracy 5. Internationalism 6. The Privation State Conclusion
In The Politics of Equality, Jason C. Myers provides a readable, contemporary introduction to egalitarian political philosophy.
Jason C. Myers is Professor of Political Science at California State University, Stanislaus. He is the author of Indirect Rule in South Africa (University of Rochester Press), as well as numerous articles on ideology and political theory.
'Myers' Politics of Equality is a thoughtful, learned, simply-written attempt to revive a strain of political theory generally considered refuted by events: communism, socialism, social democracy, and related theories of social equality. It is, perhaps, time for such an attempt. No important political theory remains refuted for long - certainly not by events. Myers' contributes to the revival of social-egalitarian theory in three ways: a) by making a strong case for the attractiveness of the ideal (a society of equal freedom); b) by suggesting reasonable means to approach that ideal; and c) perhaps most important, by pointing out how little the events of the last hundred years actually count against either the ideal or the means he suggests. It's a book that should enliven a discussion dead for too long, as good for the classroom as for circulation among thinking classes.' - Michael Davis, Illinois Institute of Technology 'Overuse has made it easy to forget the transformative, everyday makeup of concepts like "freedom" and "justice." But the fabric of modern life (the 8 hour workday; vacations, public schools, sidewalks, safe food and water) is a legislated, created product, no less a result of human design than a building or a city. The Politics of Social Equality offers a readable entry into the history of egalitarian political theories invaluable for students of political science, economics, or anyone interested in how ideas are transformed into politics - and eventually, reality.' - John Bowe, Author of 'Nobodies:Modern Slave Labor in America' 'Jason Myers' The Politics of Equality is insightful, historically informed, and ideologically balanced, a commanding discourse on the theory and practice of democracy.' - Michael Parenti, author of Contrary Notions and God and His Demons
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