Confronting Capitalism with Vivek Chibber The Golden Age of Social Democracy
12 snips
Dec 24, 2025 
Vivek Chibber, a sociologist and political economy commentator, dives into the fascinating rise of social democracy in post-WWII Europe. He explores how weakened elites and wartime recovery paved the way for ambitious welfare policies. Chibber highlights the era as a golden age for the Left, showcasing achievements like reduced inequality and full employment. He also addresses the complex relationship between social democrats and trade unions, and explains why these parties ultimately retreated from their socialist ambitions. A riveting discussion on the dynamics of power and reform!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Postwar Political Opening For Social Democracy
- Europe after WWII offered a rare political opening because elites tied to fascism were discredited and weakened.
- Strong trade unions and left parties, boosted by resistance prestige, created a new mass base for social democracy.
Golden Age Growth Enabled Welfare Expansion
- The economic 'golden age' (roughly 1945–75) made redistribution feasible by expanding the pie and tax revenues.
- Rapid growth let employers absorb higher wages and taxes, muting labor-capital conflict and enabling welfare expansion.
Core Goals Of Postwar Social Democracy
- Postwar social democrats prioritized full employment, social supports like childcare and pensions, and nationalizing key utilities.
- These policies aimed to reduce insecurity and inequality by securing rights inside and outside the market.