Solidarity Economics by Elmar Alvater

SOLIDARITY ECONOMICS By Elmar Altvater and Nicola Sexler (ed) [This reading sample of the 2006 reader “Solidarity Economy” is translated abridged from the German on the Internet, www.vsa-verlag.de.] “Another world is possible!” That is the self-confident, defiant slogan of the worldwide anti-globalization movement. Are there signs that this possible world is becoming reality? We are witnesses how more and more areas of life and work are subject to market logic and profit maximization. The individualization of our life environment increases and our everyday life is ruled by “practical constraints” that pretend to be decreed by nature… The term solidarity is banished to the history books of the workers’ movement. Nevertheless, forms of alternative economics, work and life are developing worldwide that oppose a self-determined and solidarity partnership to the misanthropic economic and political conditions. Autonomous enterprises, plant occupations, cooperatives, direct agricultural marketing, housing projects, exchange rings and fair trade are some examples. They all show that economies can be organized in solidarity and without obeying the profit-principle (“non-profit”). This reader edited by the Advisory Council of Attac Germany shows the way to “another world” and reports about solidarity economics in different countries and regions. Concrete alternatives to the dominant neoliberalism are sketched. Then the discussions about solidarity economics follow. Foreword “Another world is possible!”… This is particularly true for the prevailing theory of the economy and for justifications of economic policy. High unemployment, the skidding of more and more people into poverty and an environmental crisis that threatens thelife of future generations – even in “rich,” highly developed industrial societies. The term solidarity is banished to the history books of the workers’ movement. It only occurs in fancy speeches and is often perverted. Solidarity is emphasized for the location Germany. Acceptance of social- and job cuts is solidarity…