"Democratizing work"
by Herzog, Lisa (2025)
Abstract
Abstract “Workplace democracy” is the idea that democratic principles should be embedded not only in the political system but also in workplaces. This chapter discusses some key arguments for this idea, such as the “parallel case” argument between political and economic democracy and the “spillover thesis” about democratic behavior, and it responds to some objections, such as those from workers’ consent or from the property rights of owners. It discusses various strategies for democratizing work, including cooperatives, codetermination, and bicameralism. Distinguishing between representative and participatory forms of democracy, it also draws a connection to ideas around “new work.” To embed democratic principles in the workplace without losing functionality, different tools can be applied to different contexts. More experimentation and research can help find out how workplace democracy can become a reality, as part of a broader agenda of reform for the economic system.
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