Synopses & Reviews
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.
Synopsis
Assesses the relevance of anarchism to understanding debates about globalisation and the nature of contemporary protest.
Synopsis
The massive protests against globalization in recent years have re-awoken interest in anarchism. Changing Anarchism , finally available in paperback, sets out to reposition anarchist theory and practice by 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. The areas covered 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 epitomizes the rich diversity that exists within contemporary anarchism as well as demonstrating its ongoing relevance as a sociological tool.
About the Author
Jonathan Purkis is Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies at Liverpool John Moores University.
James Bowen is a Literacy Development Worker for Kirklees Council.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Why Anarchism Still Matters; James Bowen and Jonathan Purkis
PART I: Thinking
1. Anticapitalism and Poststructuralist Anarchism; Dave Morland
2. Towards an Anarchist Sociology; Jonathan Purkis
3. Lived Poetry: Stirner, Anarchy, Subjectivity and the Art of Living; John Moore
4. Technology is Capital: Fifth Estate's Critique of the Megamachine; Steve Millett
PART II: Doing
5. Sexuality | Identity | Politics; Jamie Heckert
6. Moving Targets: Rethinking Anarchist Strategies; James Bowen
7. What Did You Do in the Drug War Daddy?; Colin Craig
8. Art – Resistance and Liberation; Joanna Gore
PART III: Being
9. The Anarchist Travelling Circus: Reflections on Contemporary Anarchism, Anti-Capitalism and the International Scene; Karen Goaman
10. Good News for Francisco Ferrer - How Anarchist Ideals in Education Have Survived Around the World; David Gribble
11. Enchantment and Its Uses: Religion and Spirituality in Environmental Direct Action; Bronislaw Szerszynski and Emma Tomalin
12. Conclusion: How Anarchism Still Matters; Jonathan Purkis and James Bowen
Glossary
Bibliography