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Social Ecology and Communalism
An astute observer of the theoretical and practical limitations of the traditional left, Murray Bookchin sought to develop a refreshingly new political framework. Developing from his earlier works on social ecology—which combined ecological principles with the abolition of social hierarchy and economic inequality—Communalism is a fascinating blend of libertarian municipalism with the best of the anarchist and Marxist traditions.
These essays, collected for the first time, represent the final works of Murray Bookchin, co-founder of the Institute for Social Ecology and the author of dozens of articles and books.
Eirik Eiglad is the editor of the journal Communalism.
These essays, collected for the first time, represent the final works of Murray Bookchin, co-founder of the Institute for Social Ecology and the author of dozens of articles and books.
Eirik Eiglad is the editor of the journal Communalism.
136 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2007
About the author
Murray Bookchin
126 books544 followersMurray Bookchin was an American libertarian socialist author, orator, and philosopher. A pioneer in the ecology movement, Bookchin was the founder of the social ecology movement within anarchist, libertarian socialist and ecological thought. He was the author of two dozen books on politics, philosophy, history, and urban affairs as well as ecology. In the late 1990s he became disenchanted with the strategy of political Anarchism and founded his own libertarian socialist ideology called Communalism.
Bookchin was an anti-capitalist and vocal advocate of the decentralisation of society along ecological and democratic lines. His writings on libertarian municipalism, a theory of face-to-face, assembly democracy, had an influence on the Green movement and anti-capitalist direct action groups such as Reclaim the Streets.
Bookchin was an anti-capitalist and vocal advocate of the decentralisation of society along ecological and democratic lines. His writings on libertarian municipalism, a theory of face-to-face, assembly democracy, had an influence on the Green movement and anti-capitalist direct action groups such as Reclaim the Streets.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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October 27, 2017this cranky anarchist grandpa figured out how to eliminate hierachy and live ecologically
and basically you're a fucking lifestylist
and basically you're a fucking lifestylist
January 19, 2021
capitalism: *cause ecological, social and economical problems by taking over the world*
world: capitalism, I love you but you bringing me down. But I love you.
world: capitalism, I love you but you bringing me down. But I love you.
August 6, 2017
The last book to be personally revised by Murray Bookchin: Murray Bookchin unfortunately did not live to see the publication of Social Ecology and Communalism. July 30th, 2006, he died peacefully in his home, surrounded by family and friends.
It is—essentialy—a very short introduction into the theoretical workings of his last years, a heavy focus on communalism, and a brief exposition of social ecology. For the person who hasn't read this book yet, I would rather recommend The Next Revolution. They share an entire chapter, The Communalist Project, but the latter offers a wider view of Murray Bookchin's work. Not to mention that the latter is easily available in physical copy and as an e-book, while Social Ecology and Communalism is out of print, and I couldn't track down one either… I had to revert to other means :)
Overall, this would serve as a very good intro, if it were more available, but it contains nothing that is not available in other volumes, or new insights that Bookchin hasn't talked about in: The Ecology of Freedom, Urbanization Without Cities, The Philosophy of Social Ecology, and The Next Revolution.
It is—essentialy—a very short introduction into the theoretical workings of his last years, a heavy focus on communalism, and a brief exposition of social ecology. For the person who hasn't read this book yet, I would rather recommend The Next Revolution. They share an entire chapter, The Communalist Project, but the latter offers a wider view of Murray Bookchin's work. Not to mention that the latter is easily available in physical copy and as an e-book, while Social Ecology and Communalism is out of print, and I couldn't track down one either… I had to revert to other means :)
Overall, this would serve as a very good intro, if it were more available, but it contains nothing that is not available in other volumes, or new insights that Bookchin hasn't talked about in: The Ecology of Freedom, Urbanization Without Cities, The Philosophy of Social Ecology, and The Next Revolution.
September 30, 2022
Well, Bookchin is certainly an interesting fellow. His general criticism of anarchist thought at least of his time is similar to the critique other anarchist/libertarian-leaning philosophers presented at the time, specifically a lack of philosophical development beyond Bakunin and Proudhon. That is somewhat understandable, as besides those two and Stirner, there were not really that many philosophers in mainstream anarchist discourse. Bookchin does reject some alternative interpretations of anarchism, mainly more individualist variants drawing from Stirner and Nietzschean philosophy, and subsequently, any and all poststructuralist interpretations of anarchism (from Deleuze and Foucault's philosophical works, for example), which is quite interesting since there are a lot of parallels in their conceptualization of forces and the multiplicities in which they interact (An expression used in some way by both Bookchin and Foucault). Beyond that slight personal criticism, my impression of the book is overall extremely positive, specially due to its relevancy and the urgency of its message, ever increasing. More than anything, Bookchin suggests a fundamental restructuring of human activity and in human relations between each other and to the environment, where man is no longer perceived as beyond nature but as part of it. And whether he likes it or not, anarchists will and should be drawing inspiration from his works.
June 13, 2023
Excellent critiques of existing ecological movements and absolute garbage critiques of marxism. His political strategy and models for society are lacking. However, where he shines brightest is his ecological work, so we're going with four stars.
August 5, 2010
While I continue to disagree with Bookchin's electoralism, I continue to find his work worth reading. This book is a good introduction to Bookchin's thought and I think his attempt to transcend both Anarchism and Marxism is worth serious study.
August 4, 2018
Bookchin's "Ecology of Freedom" is probably essential reading before this is read, as that delves very deeply into the ideas that led to the four essays reprinted in this book. It's not mandatory that you read that first, but it would be helpful.
Bookchin's ideas on social ecology and communalism are often thought of as radical or, worse yet, a throwback to a time when most of humankind lived in tribal situations. That could not be more wrong. In fact, he speaks out against that sort of thing because he understands that humans have moved beyond that. Now, he suggests, is the time to live with nature and without systems of hierarchy. This book is a perfect introduction to those ideas.
Bookchin has called himself an anarchist in the past. Some of those ideals come through here, as well, but he also takes anarchism to task for what he sees as its problems (some of those he is correct on). That may irritate some anarchist readers, but that should not stop them from reading this book. This book has important ideas for everyone, if only to open up debate. Unfortunately, the masses won't read it or care.
Bookchin's ideas on social ecology and communalism are often thought of as radical or, worse yet, a throwback to a time when most of humankind lived in tribal situations. That could not be more wrong. In fact, he speaks out against that sort of thing because he understands that humans have moved beyond that. Now, he suggests, is the time to live with nature and without systems of hierarchy. This book is a perfect introduction to those ideas.
Bookchin has called himself an anarchist in the past. Some of those ideals come through here, as well, but he also takes anarchism to task for what he sees as its problems (some of those he is correct on). That may irritate some anarchist readers, but that should not stop them from reading this book. This book has important ideas for everyone, if only to open up debate. Unfortunately, the masses won't read it or care.
August 24, 2020
SE&C is a collection of essays written by Murray Bookchin, and curated by Eirik Eiglad. If you’re not familiar with social ecology, or are simply curious as to why Bookchin’s social policies have begun to creep into public debate, this is an excellent starting point.
While Bookchin’s prose can be a bit tough to follow at times, and he repeatedly doubles back and re-explains some points he’s already more than made, this book is an incredible thought piece for a more environmentally sustainable society.
In SE&C Bookchin tackles a wide variety of issues. From how modern statecraft and politics destroys the power of the individual, to the issues inherent in anarchist ideologies, to why capitalism can be singled out as a root of most modern issues. He does this in a relatively simple way, avoiding niche terms and phrases as best he can.
It’s more accessible than his other work, and is a great starting point if you’re curious about his avenue of policy. I also feel Eirik picked some great essays here, and his forward and epilogue are great additions to the work.
While Bookchin’s prose can be a bit tough to follow at times, and he repeatedly doubles back and re-explains some points he’s already more than made, this book is an incredible thought piece for a more environmentally sustainable society.
In SE&C Bookchin tackles a wide variety of issues. From how modern statecraft and politics destroys the power of the individual, to the issues inherent in anarchist ideologies, to why capitalism can be singled out as a root of most modern issues. He does this in a relatively simple way, avoiding niche terms and phrases as best he can.
It’s more accessible than his other work, and is a great starting point if you’re curious about his avenue of policy. I also feel Eirik picked some great essays here, and his forward and epilogue are great additions to the work.
September 7, 2022
Komünalizm siyaset felsefesini anlatan harika bir eser. Bookchin'in kapitalizm, Marksizm ve anarşizm eleştirileri çok değerli olmasına rağmen, komünalist yerel yönetimlerde bahsettiği eleştirilerin olmayacağını sanmak biraz optimistlik gibi geliyor bana. En azından bu eserinde dürüst davranmış ve Kömünalizm'in anarşizmin bir evresi veya alt dalı olmadığını anlatmış. Kitabın bana göre en zirve noktası Marksizm'in 2.dünya savaşı sonrası kapitalizmle ilgili yanlış koyduğu tespitleri güzelce analiz etmesi ve hiyerarşik yapıları doğası gereği evrimsel süreçte ayrımcı olduğunu anlattığı kısımlar. Katılmadığım tek yanı anarşizmle ilgili yaptığı bazı ucuz eleştiriler ( örneğin bireyselcilikle "suçluyor" ama neden bireyselciliğin kötü olduğunu anlatmıyor.) ve devrimci sendikacılığın anarşizmle alakası olmadığını anlattığı bir kısım (cidden buna Stalin bile gülerdi herhalde). Giriş seviyesi bir kitap dolayısıyla Bookchin'in diğer eserlerini okuyup daha fazla bilgi sahibi olmak istediğimi artırdı.
May 23, 2019
This is definitely the best introduction to Bookchin's body of ideas and work, as far as ''gateway'' book goes, this is 5/5.
The quality of the writing, the well summarized, concise but immersive aspect of the work makes for a very enjoyable read even for those already familiar with Bookchin's concepts, for the newcomers it is a quick and easy way into the fundamentals of social ecology, communalism and libertarian municipalism, with the usual polemical and combative style toned down for a more neutral tone while also rallying to action and thought (jabs still thrown at deep ecology and lifestyleism as per usual).
For those uninitiated, this would be great start, however I highly recommend The Next Revolution and Post-scarcity Anarchism for more detail and depth as next read to complete the panoramic view over this refreshing and wholesome approach to radical politics and societal organization.
The quality of the writing, the well summarized, concise but immersive aspect of the work makes for a very enjoyable read even for those already familiar with Bookchin's concepts, for the newcomers it is a quick and easy way into the fundamentals of social ecology, communalism and libertarian municipalism, with the usual polemical and combative style toned down for a more neutral tone while also rallying to action and thought (jabs still thrown at deep ecology and lifestyleism as per usual).
For those uninitiated, this would be great start, however I highly recommend The Next Revolution and Post-scarcity Anarchism for more detail and depth as next read to complete the panoramic view over this refreshing and wholesome approach to radical politics and societal organization.
November 15, 2023
The collection of the 4 essays in this book -- "What is Social Ecology?", "Radical Politics in an Era of Advanced Capitalism", "The Role of Social Ecology in a Period of Reaction", and "The Communalism Project" -- were fantastically curated and form a cohesive but albeit necessarily cursory introduction to Bookchin's philosophy just before his death.
While many of the conclusions Bookchin draws regarding nature, social ecology, and his critiques of modern ecological movements aren't very disagreeable or even particularly novel (at least from my perspective), seeing many ideas I've had neatly organized into these essays was affirming and left room for thought.
When I read more of Bookchin's work, I will update this review.
While many of the conclusions Bookchin draws regarding nature, social ecology, and his critiques of modern ecological movements aren't very disagreeable or even particularly novel (at least from my perspective), seeing many ideas I've had neatly organized into these essays was affirming and left room for thought.
When I read more of Bookchin's work, I will update this review.
September 22, 2022
An excellent collection of essays that provides a comprehensive overview of Bookchin's ideas. This contains a variety of works, including the last essay he ever wrote, 'The Communalist Project'. Thus, you are presented with the best of Bookchin, which provides a springboard into his other works. This should be read by leftist of all tendencies. I firmly believe Communalism is the best expression of both Marxist and Anarchist ideas, but goes beyond them, presenting an evolution of those ideas with a strong ecological foundation.
October 22, 2019
I thought this was a good first glance at Bookchin and was happy to have started here. I think he touches on some viable criticisms of various ideologies on the left, and introduces the general concepts of social ecology and communalism well. I had a hard time sussing out some concepts, and it did feel like Bookchin assumes a little bit of existing familiarity with his work and other concepts. I'll be digging into more Bookchin though.
July 23, 2018
Most influential book I have read in a long time...
January 27, 2020
It's mostly 90% about communalism, not so much about social ecology. It's still good stuff from Bookchin, but I felt like I was cheated.
September 13, 2020
Took me a long time to read because I’m not much of a reader but it was worth it. Incredible book!
March 11, 2021
Serves as a great introduction to Bookchin's work. It is well written, easy to follow, and pretty accessible to the casual reader.
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August 21, 2023A year-odd onwards and wishing I'd made notes on this as I do with the philosophy I read these days. Still, I suppose you have to learn the habit at some point.
January 28, 2023
First essay was an interesting look at the genealogy of power relations and hierarchies. Then it takes a nose dive as Bookchin goes full boomer, making ridiculous strawmen to take them down, and citing basically no sources but himself??? Clown energy lol. Some interesting ideas, but not worth sitting through his sales pitch.
June 27, 2020
The final essay of this reader, The Communalist Project, ends with the following:
“Unless present and future generations are beaten into complete submission by a culture based on queasy calculation as well as by police with tear gas and water cannons, we cannot desist from fighting for what freedoms we have and try to expand them into a free society wherever the opportunity to do so emerges. At any rate we now know, in the light of all the weaponry and means of ecological destruction that are at hand, that the need for radical change cannot be indefinitely deferred.”
Bookchin argues, and argues persuasively, for the need to establish communal, municipal, confederated power. Small, directly-democratic confederations to rend asunder the global capitalist system. I’m sold. We’re at a stage in our technological development and ecological awareness where this sort of decentralization is not only possible—it is necessary for our survival. Reading this, I feel more ready for whatever comes next.
“Unless present and future generations are beaten into complete submission by a culture based on queasy calculation as well as by police with tear gas and water cannons, we cannot desist from fighting for what freedoms we have and try to expand them into a free society wherever the opportunity to do so emerges. At any rate we now know, in the light of all the weaponry and means of ecological destruction that are at hand, that the need for radical change cannot be indefinitely deferred.”
Bookchin argues, and argues persuasively, for the need to establish communal, municipal, confederated power. Small, directly-democratic confederations to rend asunder the global capitalist system. I’m sold. We’re at a stage in our technological development and ecological awareness where this sort of decentralization is not only possible—it is necessary for our survival. Reading this, I feel more ready for whatever comes next.
March 22, 2016
A short introduction to Bookchin's thought. The description here of communalism is somewhat lacking in how it may be achieved (there is a lot of bland assertion that certain pitfalls "would" be avoided, with little prescription how), but I find many of his ideas, including his identification of current problems and his conception of the ideal society, resonate strongly.
August 21, 2007
A good intro to Bookchin's particular formulation of Social Ecology.
November 11, 2012
An excellent introduction to the political philosophy of Murray Bookchin.
November 15, 2016
Readable if somewhat shallow introduction to a very interesting thinker. When I went to the library to return this one I left with two more books of his, so take that as a recommendation.
July 11, 2015
To the point. Effective intro. I need more!!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews