Beyond Neoliberalism

Today neoliberals argue that we should let ourselves be guided bymarket forces and that there is little we can do to stem the flowof economic globalization. On the other hand, thinkers on the leftcontinue to denounce domination and claim to speak in the name ofvictims who are powerless to change the circumstances of theirlives. Despite the differences between these two politicalpositions, they suffer from a common weakness: they underestimatethe role of autonomous social actors who are capable of influencingpolitical decision-making.


In this important new book Alain Touraine - the leading sociologistand social theorist - attacks the positions of the neoliberals andcertain thinkers on the left and develops an alternative view ofthe tasks for political thought and action today. He argues thatthe globalization of the economy has not dissolved our capacity forpolitical action, and that the actions of the most underprivilegedsections of society are not restricted to rebellion againstdomination: they can also demand rights (in particular, culturalrights), and can therefore put forward an innovative and not merelycritical conception of society and its future.


Beyond Neoliberalism is an original and timely contribution tocurrent debates about the changing nature and goals of politics inour contemporary, globalized age. It will be of great interest tostudents of politics and sociology and will also appeal to abroader readership interested in contemporary politics and currentaffairs.