Democratic Socialism: What It Means in the United States

At least by Monday Bernie Sanders presidential nominations It is widely known to the public that there are also representatives of Social Democracy in the United States. There is a longer historical tradition out there. In the absence of major political successes, the aforementioned phenomenon was less well known to the public. Those interested in politics can now take a look at a massive monograph: Gary Doreen’s “American Democratic Socialism. History, Politics, Religion, and Theory,” a work of over 700 pages.

It deals in detail with evolution since the beginning of the 20th century, with the author taking an idiosyncratic perspective. Dorrien is Professor of Social Ethics at Union Theological Seminary and Professor of Religion at Columbia University. He is also active on the Committee on Religion and Socialism of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Accordingly, the political activist also writes with a special orientation, which is freely allowed on the first few pages.

A book with some characteristics

The author asserts that he was socially and politically committed from a young age. This does not necessarily contradict such a book, but it is important to take this point of view into account. Dorrien also emphasizes in his historical account that he particularly wanted to stress the importance of Christian socialism. It is precisely on this point that his study differs from other related works.

Another special feature is that Dorrien tells the events in question as a chronicler. He has proven to be an excellent expert on this subject. Occasional deviation can only be found in data on developments in other countries. The author also focuses on individuals and deals with the material presented around them. Thus, both Eugene F.

What is meant by democratic socialism?

The chosen method of presentation, reminiscent of the chronicler, also abandons the obvious structuring and organization. Chronology constitutes the content. However, as far as Dorrien is concerned, this leaves somewhat unclear what exactly he meant by democratic socialism. Referring to the Socialist Party of America, it has been said that its founders believed they could achieve economic democracy against established capitalism through majorities in elections.

Is this what the author means by democratic socialism? While it addresses the relevant interpretations of Sanders or Thomas, the concept of the work developed for its presentation is missing. But this would be interesting for selection and classification: Shouldn’t Franklin Delano Roosevelt also be considered a democratic socialist? So why is Doreen doing the math? Martin Luther King till then? Reasons can certainly be given for the respective classifications, but they presuppose a definite nomenclature of the relevant criteria.

Only one woman is discussed in more detail

However, these critical remarks do not diminish the value of the overall offer, which is highly valued simply because of its high information content and detailed structuring. As Dorian continually points out among American socialists there have always been conflicts over priorities. At first they were primarily concerned with social equality, but then became more concerned with the equality of white men. The black civil rights movement was initially viewed with some suspicion, and changes in this regard only occurred slowly over time.

The situation is similar with regard to the view of women’s equality. It’s also interesting that Doreen’s overall presentation is so comprehensive that with Nancy Fraser, only one woman is dealt with in greater detail. Even Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, known for her concept of the Green Deal, is just a three-page separate topic. Despite these objections, it’s a comprehensive, informative presentation that also fills existing gaps in one aspect.

Gary Doreen: American Democratic Socialism. History, Politics, Religion, and Theory, New Haven – London 2021 (Yale University Press), ISBN 978-0300253764