The Death of Social Democracy : Political Consequences in the 21st Century

Lavelle provides an original argument about the death of social democracy. He argues that the political-economic context of the 21st Century means that social democratic projects cannot be revived as a result of the pressures of economic decline since the end of the post-war boom, globalization, European integration and ideological developments in favour of the free market. These pressures have led social democrats to embrace neo-liberal policies and become threatened by minor parties and Independent politicians.This provocative study: argues that social democracy cannot be resurrected; examines how the decline of social democracy has increased popularity of minor parties and independents; and, explores the reasons for social democratic membership and electoral decline. This is an important book for scholars engaged in the future of social democracy and the broader themes of world politics, political parties, social movements and globalization. Whereas many writers and scholars interested in the field of social democracy have focused on factors such as the role of economic globalization and electoral pressures, Ashley Lavelle explores the importance of the collapse of the post-war economic boom and lower growth rates since then. He examines how these pressures have led social democrats to embrace neo-liberal policies and become threatened by minor parties and independent politicians. Providing an original argument about the decline of social democracy, the author investigates how its decline has increased the popularity of minor parties and independents, along with the reasons for social democratic membership and electoral decline. This is an important book for scholars of social democracy and the broader themes of world politics, political parties, social movements and globalization. This Volume Contributes To The Debate About The Future Of The Left. It Argues That Modern Social Democratic Parties Are No Longer Capable Of Delivering Social Change, And That They Are Now Impediments To The Building Of A Better World. The Death Of Social Democracy And Its Political Consequences -- The Death Of Social Democracy In Australia -- The Death Of Social Democracy In Britain -- The Death Of Social Democracy In Germany -- The Death Of Social Democracy In Sweden. By Ashley Lavelle. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [179]-213) And Index. Arguing that social democracy cannot be resurrected, this book examines how the decline of social democracy has increased popularity of minor parties and independents. It explores the reasons for social democratic membership and electoral decline. It is suitable for scholars engaged in social democracy and the broader themes of world politics