SOJ-3130: Radical Economy: From Inequality to Solidarity

This class explores possibilities and opportunities for strengthening our communities by building self-reliance, solidarity and a more democratic economy. We begin with looking at our big problems, such as lack of access to healthy food, climate chaos, and the struggle for healthy and safe places to live and work. Many of these issues stem from an inequitable economy, as evidenced by the loss of social safety nets and the lack of opportunity for everyday well-being. In order to tackle these problems thoughtfully and effectively, we will consider an inspiring range of alternative economic tools and ways of thinking; creative and innovative methods such as time banks, worker owned cooperatives, participatory budgeting, social entrepreneurships, and community finance models. The growing movement of worker-owned cooperatives exemplifies the real-world opportunities of the solidarity economy; reflecting values, cultures and communities of cooperation, building relationships of mutual support, tackling shared responsibility and democratic decision-making. These opportunities serve to strengthen the diversity of local cultures and environment, as well as epitomize a commitment to valuing and celebrating our shared humanity. We explore the principles of solidarity and “just transition” in class, by learning from individuals and groups who are thriving examples of organizing new and creative forms of conceiving public space, cultivating and consuming food, promoting self-sufficiency, developing equitable economic models, and fostering healthy, just communities. We’ll examine and imagine our own place in the movement. Many local, regional, national and international initiatives are actively working to answer the call for a just new economy and sustainable future. In this course we will examine the current state of economic justice, assess and deconstruct the problems and root causes in financial systems, distinguish between the multiple perspectives of economic opportunity, investigate and analyze potential solutions, and create new pathways. Our course activities will include group discussion, reading reflections, access to new media, project construction, conversations with guest speakers, and writing support.
Min. Credits: 3 Max Credits: 4
Credit Basis: Quarter credit
Location(s): Antioch Univ Los Angeles, Antioch Univ Santa Barbara, Antioch Univ Seattle
Method(s): Classroom
Course Type Liberal & Disciplinary Studies

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SOJ-3130: Radical Economy: From Inequality to Solidarity