
Democracy and Economic Planning
Pat Devine(Author)
Polity Press
1st Edition
Published on 12. August 2010
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-7456-3479-1 (ISBN)
Description
This book is a wide-ranging analysis of the nature of economic planning in both capitalist and statist societies. It seeks to establish an alternative to market forces as a means of coordinating decentralized economic decisions.
Devine begins with an analysis of the theory and practice of capitalist planning, central planning and 'market socialism'. He argues that, while market socialism is
currently favoured by many economists who reject both capitalism and the command planning of the Soviet model, it cannot fulfil the promises held out for it.
In the remainder of the book Devine elaborates an alternative model based on the novel idea of 'negotiated coordination'. The model combines system-wide with decentralized decision-making, recognizes the existence of differences of interest and incorporates a transformative dynamic in which individuals modify their attitudes in the light of the positions of others. The model offers a detailed account of how economic activity could be organised in a self-governing society.
Democracy and Economic Planning will be of interest to students of economics, politics, sociology, and geography, as well as to a more general audience concerned with the nature of, and prospects for, socialism and democracy - life after capitalism.
Devine begins with an analysis of the theory and practice of capitalist planning, central planning and 'market socialism'. He argues that, while market socialism is
currently favoured by many economists who reject both capitalism and the command planning of the Soviet model, it cannot fulfil the promises held out for it.
In the remainder of the book Devine elaborates an alternative model based on the novel idea of 'negotiated coordination'. The model combines system-wide with decentralized decision-making, recognizes the existence of differences of interest and incorporates a transformative dynamic in which individuals modify their attitudes in the light of the positions of others. The model offers a detailed account of how economic activity could be organised in a self-governing society.
Democracy and Economic Planning will be of interest to students of economics, politics, sociology, and geography, as well as to a more general audience concerned with the nature of, and prospects for, socialism and democracy - life after capitalism.
Reviews / Votes
"A historically important step toward a genuine socialism that maintains the essential element of planned coordination of critical economic activities. The maturing discussion about alternatives to capitalism will benefit greatly from continued debate, update and revision of its ideas."Science and Society
"In this fascinating book, which deserves to be widely read, Pat Devine raises numerous important and interesting questions about the management of the economy."
Times Higher Educational Supplement "A democratically planned socialist economy - perhaps along the lines of Pat Devine's model of negotiated coordination - offers the best hope of realizing the values of the
anti-capitalist movement."
Alex Callinicos, King's College, London
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Publishing group
John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 228 mm
Width: 151 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
445 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7456-3479-1 (9780745634791)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Pat Devine is Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Manchester. He is the co-author of An Introduction to Industrial Economics and What On Earth Is To Be Done?
Content
Preface viii
Part I Introduction 1
1 Introduction 3
Part II Historical Experience 27
2 Capitalist Planning 29
3 Central Planning 55
4 Market Socialism 82
Part III Objectives 111
5 The Socialization of Production 113
6 Democracy 138
7 Abolition of the Social Division of Labour 162
Part IV Democratic Planning 187
8 National Priorities and Planning 189
9 Communities and Production Units 212
10 Negotiated Coordination 235
Part V Conclusion 261
Notes 277
Bibliography 288
Index 297
Part I Introduction 1
1 Introduction 3
Part II Historical Experience 27
2 Capitalist Planning 29
3 Central Planning 55
4 Market Socialism 82
Part III Objectives 111
5 The Socialization of Production 113
6 Democracy 138
7 Abolition of the Social Division of Labour 162
Part IV Democratic Planning 187
8 National Priorities and Planning 189
9 Communities and Production Units 212
10 Negotiated Coordination 235
Part V Conclusion 261
Notes 277
Bibliography 288
Index 297