Hobson and the Socialist Tradition

Jules Townshend

Chapter 3 in J. A. Hobson after Fifty Years, 1994, pp 34-52 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract The overall objective of this chapter is to get a better ‘fix’ on the ‘spirit of Hobson’ — the meaning and character of his thought. This may help us to understand more clearly Hobson’s historical and contemporary significance — indeed why he is worth commemorating! First, I deal with two interpretations, one in effect emphasising his socialist (non-Marxist) credentials, the other firmly locating Hobson within the liberal tradition. Second, I will attempt to show that both these perspectives misunderstand either the nature or the trajectory of the Hobsonian project. Third, I shall indicate a number of its inherent weaknesses. Finally, I will argue that Hobson, as an important contributor to the socialist tradition, has a contemporary resonance for socialists faced with the challenge of neo-liberal ideology, both Eastern and Western.

Keywords: Social Utility; Machine Production; Human Cost; Subjective Cost; Liberal Tradition (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 1994
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:pal:palchp:978-1-349-23213-0_3

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DOI: 10.1007/978-1-349-23213-0_3

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