Confronting Capitalism: Socialism in the 21st Century
Jacobin Radio
00:00
Labor Power and Welfare States
- Politicians in capitalist democracies are heavily influenced by business interests due to campaign funding and economic control.
- A weak economy often punishes politicians rather than the capitalists who control the economy.
- To overcome business resistance to progressive legislation, threats to their profit flow are needed, a role historically played by labor movements.
- Strong labor movements give politicians independence from the investor class.
- The social democratic project requires both political (parties) and economic (unions) organizations of the working class.
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