Beyond Capitalism and Liberal Democracy: on the Relevance of G.d.h. Cole's Sociological Critique and Alternative beyond Capitalism and Liberal Democracy: on the Relevance of G.d.h. Cole's Sociological Critique and Alternative Introduction

This paper argues for a return to the social thought of the often ignored early 20 Century English thinker G.D.H. Cole. Cole combined a sociological critique of capitalism and liberal democracy with a well developed alternative in his work on Guild Socialism bearing particular relevance to advanced capitalist societies. Both of these, with their focus on the limitations on ‘free and unfettered service’ in associations and the inability of capitalism to yield emancipation in either production or consumption, are relevant to social theorists looking to understand, critique and contribute to the subversion of neoliberalism. Therefore, we suggest that Cole’s associational sociology, and the invitation it provides to think of formations beyond capitalism and liberal democracy, is a timely and valuable resource which should be returned to.