Are We Socialist or Capitalist?

As a workplace democracy and ownership organization, one asks whether we are socialist or capitalist. The answer is we are a little of both!

Socialism has many varieties. We support what we call market socialist for workplace ownership. When workers vote to become owners of their workplace, they will continue be a part of the market of prices and costs. Their surplus will directly go to the workers probably through a cooperative. Thus ownership will be in common and not in one person, the stock market, or a hedge fund.

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership. In a local business with an owner paying a living wage, the workers will not be able to take ownership unless the owner decides to do so (ESOP). If the workers do not vote to take ownership, capitalism remains.

Capitalism began in the 16th century by following mercantilism (under a monarchy). Democracy expanded from the 18th century joining with cooperative growth in the 19th century. Now is the time for economic democracy through workplace democracy. Our intention is to support freedom of the entrepreneur and of the workers. We believe both can be achieved.

Workplace Democracy

Socializing the Entrepreneurial Spirit