Rethinking Libertarianism: Elizabeth Anderson's Private Government. Issue 2 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ellerman, David
• Is Part Of: Challenge magazine. Volume 61:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 156
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Economics -- Periodicals; United States -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 330.05
• DOI: 10.1080/05775132.2018.1443976
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0577-5132

Abstract

Abstract : In her recent book, Private Government, Elizabeth Anderson makes a powerful and pragmatic case against the abuses experienced by employees in conventional corporations. The purpose of this review-essay, says the author, is to contrast Anderson's pragmatic critique of many abuses in the employment relationship with a principled critique of the relationship itself. Can we really rent ourselves to our employers? This principled critique is based on the theory of inalienable rights, a theory that was the basis for the abolition of the so-called voluntary slavery in today's democratic countries. When understood in modern terms, that same theory applies as well against the voluntary "self-rental" that is the basis for our current economic system.