How the largest social movement in history is making the world a
better place.
At the close of the twentieth century, corporate capitalism extended its
reach over the globe. While its defenders argue that globalization is
the only way forward for modern, democratic societies, the spread of
this system is failing to meet even the most basic needs of billions of
individuals around the world. Moreover, the entrenchment of this free
market system is undermining the foundations of healthy societies,
caring communities, and personal wellbeing.
Humanizing the Economy shows how co-operative models for economic and
social development can create a more equitable, just, and humane future.
With over 800 million members in 85 countries and a long history linking
economic to social values, the co-operative movement is the most
powerful grassroots movement in the world. Its future as an alternative
to corporate capitalism is explored through a wide range of real-world
examples including:
- Emilia Romagna's co-operative economy of in Northern Italy
- Argentina's recovered factory movement
- Japan's consumer and health co-operatives
Highlighting the hopes and struggles of everyday people seeking to make
their world a better place, Humanizing the Economy is essential
reading for anyone who cares about the reform of economics,
globalization, and social justice.
John Restakis has been active in the co-op movement for 15 years. He
is the Executive Director of the BC Co-operative Association and has
been a consultant for co-op development projects in Africa and Asia. A
pioneering researcher on co-operative economies, he writes and lectures
on economic democracy and the role of co-operatives in humanizing
economies.
