Radical Reformism and the Marxist Critique. Issue 2 (3rd April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Leahy, Terry
• Is Part Of: Capitalism, nature, socialism. Volume 29:Issue 2(2018)
• Page Start: 61
• Page End: 74
• Publication Date: 2018-04-03
• Subjects: Ecological modernization -- steady state -- growth -- capitalism -- environment; Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Socialism -- Periodicals; Capitalism -- Periodicals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1080/10455752.2017.1293116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-5752

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The mainstream environmental movement has tended to accept the continuation of capitalism and the growth economy. A de-materialization is hoped to follow from limits on the use of natural resources. Eco-Marxists have opposed this strategy, claiming environmental problems are intrinsic to capitalism. More recently a tendency which I will call "radical reformism" has been gaining strength. Radical reformists argue that a growth economy is not compatible with environmental limits. They look to regulate capitalism to prevent growth. The overall intention is for a peaceful transition within a broadly capitalist economy. The eco-Marxist critique of mainstream environmentalism can also be applied to radical reformism. While radical reformists may have some answers to this critique, these answers bring further problems.