Socialisms: Old and New Old and New

In this stimulating introduction to the subject, Tony Wright argues that the contradictions within socialism arise from the absence of one single socialist tradition--despite Marxist attempts to claim the title of the "true" socialism. Rather than seeking to reconcile socialist differences in an all-embracing unity, it is important to recognize the extraordinary diversity of socialism. Disagreements and tensions within the socialist movement can then be accepted as the subject matter of different kinds of socialism, each of which may be more or less plausible, appropriate or desirable.
"Socialisms" develops this theme through a wide-ranging analysis of socialist ideas and movements, revealing how socialists have differed fundamentally about both the nature of socialism and the means of its achievement. This latest edition also includes a foreword by British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
At a time when the very future of socialism is hotly debated, Tony Wright concludes his study with a newly revised and challenging discussion of the prospects for contemporary socialist traditions.

This is a revised and updated edition of Tony Wright's critically acclaimed work that first appeared a decade ago. It provides a lucid and accesible survey of the major strands of socialist thinking right up to the present day and includes an assessment of the renewal of socialism in Britain. It is an indispensable text for students and a stimulating guide to socialism past and present. But it is also a book with an argument. Tony Wright makes the case for a socialism that learns the lessons of its own history, roots itself in an ethic of community and applies traditional values in new ways. It is a book for everyone who wants to understand where socialism has come from - and where it might still be going.

1. Traditions 2. Arguments 3. Doctrines 4. Methods 5. Structures 6. Actors 7. Futures 8. A New Socialism? Further Reading Index