Left anarchism
Left Anarchism is term used mostly by opponents of mainstream anarchism to disintiguish between what they consider as "right" and "left" wings of anarchism. In their opinion, political philosophies that oppose capitalism, such as anarcho-communism, libertarian socialism, and anarcho-syndicalism constitute a "left" wing within anarchism, and anarcho-capitalism constitutes a "right" wing.
"Left anarchists" consider capitalism, most notably wage labour and often private ownership of the means of production, as being a coercive or exploitative institution. They believe that this arrangement is inherently hierarchal, and can only be upheld by the existence of governmental authority that protects the interests of the capitalist class (those who own and control capital). Some characterize left anarchism as favoring a society that distributes resources solely through cooperation, rather that one that bases this in competition. Left anarchists tend to aim for an egalitarian society. They oppose social hierarchy and unequal distribitutions of wealth.
The factual accuracy and usefulness of such an approach is challenged by many mainstream anarchists, who consider anarchist ideas to be exclusively opposed to capitalist relations, and point out that all historical anarchist upheavals and movements have been distinctly anti-capitalist. They argue that the recent groups referring to themselves as "right anarchists" are so small and unaccepted within the movement, that making such a distinction can serve only to amplify a false sense of importance and activity that is almost non-existant outside of the internet and academic circles. Post-left anarchists, who also oppose capitalism, also use the term "left anarchism" to label mainstream anarchism. The very act of defining a "left" and "right" within the movement is thus considered by many mainstream anarchists as politically motivated. For that matter, many anarcho-capitalists and other libertarians reject the label of "right" for themselves, feeling that their viewpoint transcends the traditional left-right political spectrum.
See also
External links
- Defining anarchism from the anarchist faq, written by traditional anarchists
- Anarchist Theory FAQ says that a broad division in anarchism exists between "left-anarchism" and anarcho-capitalism
- Anarchism: Two Kinds by Wendy McElroy, an anarcho-capitalist
- The Incredible Lameness of Left Anarchism by Jason McQuinn A critique from a post-left anarchist persepective