Power Struggles in Capitalist Democracies and the Fate of...

Power Struggles in Capitalist Democracies and the Fate of American Labor Unions To some, capitalistic democracy conjures up the picture of a utopia where the free market is accompanied by individual liberty and social justice. To others, however, the term is more like a paradox—despite tremendous economic power, the advanced industrial nations are not immune from the evils of socio-political inequality as well as economical disparity. Amongst the capitalist democracies of the world, it is an established and well-known fact that when compared with the advanced industrial countries in Europe, the United States has the worst condition of economical-political inequality and social injustice. Its government is the least progressive, and†¦show more content†¦The demand constraints limits what the labor class and the state can demand from the capitalist class because it essentially controls the economy through capital investment. As a result, the satisfaction of the interest of capitalists is a necessary condition for the satisfaction of all other inter ests within the system. (Cohen 298). There exists an inherent imbalance of power in a capitalist democracy because its stability and growth depends primarily on the economic well being of the capitalist class. This group holds the power of choosing what, where, and how to invest their resources. Moreover, corporations control a host of decisions unless and until the government specifically intervenes. (Clowson et al, 161) The labor class is dependent on them for employment and income, and the state also relies on them both directly and indirectly—directly through income tax of the rich and their businesses (which pays the most for social programs in the socially necessary process of wealth redistribution), and indirectly through income tax levied on the working class who are employed by the capitalists. Thus, it is not surprising that the U.S. government has constantly wooed businesses in hope of economic growth. As aShow MoreRelatedThe Origins Of Cold War1550 Words   |  7 PagesThis research looks at the origins of Cold war, the political, ideological and economical rivalry between the United States and Soviet Union. This research draws upon mostly primary sources including memoirs, interviews and scholarly studies of cold war era conflicts. Most research on this topic focuses on its connection to the famous events and upheavals, which shaped that era. â€Å"From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic an â€Å"Iron Curtain† has descended across the continent. 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