For decades we were told that free market capitalism was the solution to all of society's problems. The world economic crisis has shattered that myth. Millions are being thrown out of their jobs or their homes. A whole generation of young people wanting to enter the workforce are finding that there are simply no jobs. In a world where there is the technological capacity to provide a decent life to every person on this planet, poverty and want are everywhere.
This is not some mere episode in the history of an otherwise stable system. For the last century the anarchy of market competition has led to recessions and depressions, to bloody wars to divide up the resources of the world, and to such total disregard for the planet on which we live that we now face environmental destruction on a scale that threatens our very existance.
The need for a systematic alternative to capitalism is clear as day. And yet the options on offer in the mainstream discourse are paltry at best. Providing such an alternative is what Socialism 2009: The Socialist Alternative to Capitalism is all about. From sessions explaining the basics of socialism and answering common questions, to discussions of Marxist theory and labour history, if you are interested in the struggle for a different world, this conference will have something for you.
PROGRAM
10am
What is Marxism?
The Bolshevik party model: is it relevant for a 21st century socialist movement?
Socialists in the trade unions
11.40am
Hasn't socialism been tried and failed?
The Marxist approach to movements of the oppressed
Does the Marxist theory of imperialism help explain today's world?
Lunch
2pm
The case for revolution
Lessons from the class struggle in the Great Depression
Historical materialism: Marx's theory of social change
4pm
Marxist economics made easy
From women's liberation to anti-feminist backlash: what went wrong?
Trotsky's "permanent revolution" and the modern Middle East
Ticket prices:
Waged $12
Student/unwaged $7
High school student $4