Varieties of Socialism

Bernie Sanders has put the word “socialism” into our current political discourse. Other candidates and the media ignored his ‘democratic socialism.” However, young people (and others) today are not afraid of the ‘S’ word. But what does it mean? A Global Justice panel will explore “Varieties of Socialism.” Is it the New Deal? Or public ownership of the means of production or just an activist government promoting the common welfare? Is it publicly owned facilities? Or is it cooperatives or even communal living? Whatever it is, the billionaire class is afraid of it.

Political scientist Joan Roelofs will talk about socialist traditions in Europe and the US. Social philosopher Cliff DuRand will discuss 21st century socialism in Latin America. What can we learn from these ideas to address the crisis of our times?