The Socialist Alternative: Real Human Development

An important book . . . highly recommended.

—CHOICE

Michael Lebowitz has forcefully demonstrated that the phrase “Socialism for the Twenty-First Century” is not a mere slogan. Rather it stands for a developed theory and practice stretching from Marx to Latin America’s new Bolivarian Revolution. The Socialist Alternative is one of the foremost works in this new theory of socialist transition, and a worthy complement to Lebowitz’s previous works, Beyond Capital and Build It Now.

—John Bellamy Foster, editor, Monthly Review

Professor of Sociology, University of Oregon

…among the most thought-provoking works I have recently read. Grounding the work in an analysis of the crisis of socialism, Lebowitz takes the reader through an examination of the workings of capitalism and the problems of not only a transition to socialism, but ultimately to a society that represents freedom from class exploitation. Lebowitz does not stop there, but whets the appetite of the reader in contemplating the implications of all of this for efforts to eliminate other forms of oppression engendered or enhanced by capitalism, as well as efforts to save the planet from the destruction wrought by capitalism. This is the sort of book that should be the focus for discussion groups of activists as they attempt to unite their radical practice with theorizing a radical, democratic, and Marxist alternative for the future.

—Bill Fletcher, Jr., co-author, Solidarity Divided

Executive Editor, BlackCommentator.com

At this historic moment, when the limits and insanity of capitalism are especially clear but an intimidating sense of fatalism militates against a response—neither an alternative to capitalism nor a way to get there seem ‘realistic’—Lebowitz has produced the must-read book for those still clinging to hope. Highly accessible without setting aside the complexities involved, Lebowitz provides a desperately needed framework for linking vision to action to self-and-social transformation. The radicalism that has been so commonly written off as impractical becomes what is in fact the truly ‘practical’ in today’s world.

—Sam Gindin, York University, Former Research Director, Canadian Auto Workers

Michael Lebowitz has written a compelling argument for viewing the transition to socialism as a process of human development. He rejects the concept of stages, in which the forces of production are first developed to create the conditions necessary for people then to change. Instead, he argues that by acting on society now people change both it and at the same time themselves. Drawing on the Venezuelan concept of the ‘triangle of socialism,’ and deeply rooted in Marxist scholarship, this is a thought provoking and inspiring book—essential reading for all interested in and working for a socialism for the twenty-first century.

—Pat Devine, University of Manchester

This is socialism as it has been intended from the 1500s onward, a society that supports and promotes real human development. This is socialism as Marx saw it, created by active conscious protagonists who at the same time re-create themselves. Anyone interested in the current 21st century rebirth of socialism should carefully read and reflect on this important contribution to the debate by Michael Lebowitz.

—Al Campbell, Professor of Economics, University of Utah

This is a terrific book that is both theoretical and practical. Most importantly, it challenges us to take socialism seriously. Lebowitz illuminates and extends Marx’s powerful insights to provide a clear and well grounded vision of socialism, a critical perspective on past failures and current efforts, and a strategic framework for building a successful path towards socialism.

—Martin Hart-Landsberg, Professor of Economics, Lewis and Clark College