Changing Anarchism: Anarchist Theory and Practice in a Global Age - Softcover

Jonathan Purkis

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719066956 ISBN 13: 9780719066955

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2012

Synopsis

The high ideals of anarchism have inspired generations of activists and political thinkers for over a century and a half, winning respect from even the fiercest of opponents. As the 'conscience of politics', anarchism's opposition to all forms of power and its emphasis on responsibility and self-determination has provided a constant benchmark for other areas of political philosophy and practice. At the beginning of the twenty-first century, with popular movements challenging the logic of globalisation, Western military imperialism and the assumptions of 'democratic' governments, anarchist theory and practice has once again made its presence felt. 'Changing anarchism', finally available in paperback, documents the links between these movements and contemporary anarchism and demonstrates how anarchist ideas are evolving in a global age. In particular, the book examines strands within anarchism concerned with technology, the environment and identity, and suggests that these are useful sociological tools for understanding the pervasive and interconnected nature of power. The contributors also offer practical insight into how power is being resisted in a variety of social and political contexts and how anarchist ideals are impacting on many different areas of everyday life. The balance of activist perspectives on anti-capitalism, sexuality, narcotics, education and mental health, combined with theoretical material drawn from post-structuralism, ecologism, the complexity sciences and social movement theory, ensures that Changing Anarchism will appeal to the general reader as well as to students of politics, sociology and cultural studies.

About this title

Synopsis:

The massive protests against globalisation in recent years have reawoken interest in anarchism, mainly due to the non-hierarchical, participatory and cooperative forms of organisation that many of the movements possess. Changing anarchism sets out to reposition anarchist theory and practice, in an era of globalisation, both in terms of documenting contemporary anarchist practice and providing a viable analytical framework for understanding it. The contributions here, from both academics and activists, raise challenging and sometimes provocative questions about the complex nature of power and resistance to it in a number of areas. These include: sexuality and identity; psychological dependency on technology; libertarian education; religion and spirituality; protest tactics; mental health and artistic expression; and the ongoing 'metaphorical wars' against drugs and terror. This collection therefore both epitomises the rich diversity that exists within contemporary anarchism as well as demonstrating its ongoing relevance as a sociological tool.

About the Author:

James Bowen is Literacy Development Officer for Kirklees Council

About this edition

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0719066956
• ISBN 13: 9780719066955
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272
• Editor: Jonathan Purkis, James Bowen