A left in crisis: reflections on their relevance
The current political scenario has a baking panorama for the left, which seems to have lost its weight and influence on public debate. I am not talking about the most moderate parties, but those that are more at the end of the political spectrum, such as the CUP or Podemos in Catalonia, and prominent figures such as Bernie Sanders or Yanis Varoufakis globally. My intention is not to claim that these voices will soon emerge victorious, but to emphasize that, without a robust and convincing left, the center -left is blurred and ends up defending proposals that have been shown ineffective.
Sandel and Piketty’s criticism: a necessary dialogue
Reading the book ‘Equality’ (Editions 62) inspired me to reflect on this. In this play, Thomas Piketty and Michael Sandel have a debate that, despite their coincidences, reveals fundamental divergences. Piketty, an economist with a radical vision of the redistribution of wealth, contrasts with Sandel, who defends the need to weave a stronger network of solidarity among the working and middle classes.
The disconnection between classes
Sandel highlights one of the great challenges today: the growing moral separation between the middle and working classes. Professionals with university education seem to have lost their respect and connection with manual workers, which creates a division that becomes more apparent over time. Without a balanced representation in public debates, we cannot expect equality policies to be effective.
The impact of cultural turn on the left
The paradigm shift on the left over the last decades has been deeply influenced by the theory of multiple oppressions, proposal by Michel Foucault. This theory suggests that power is manifested not only in jobs, but also in every aspect of everyday life. However, its application has led to a distortion of the priorities of the left, which now focuses more on identities than on economic inequalities.
Reviewing priorities
Historically, the middle classes have lined up with the left with the aim of fighting labor injustices. Now, with the emphasis on identity diversity, this struggle has lost strength. Increasing meritocracy has led many to believe that the goal should be to escape conventional work, instead of improving working conditions for all.
A new path to the left
In the context of the debate between Sandel and Piketty, there is an opportunity for the left to re -evaluate their strategies. It is time for left parties to focus their attention on restoring diversity within their own ranks, prioritizing the representativeness of workers. Only in this way will they be able to regain the support of the working classes and reactivate their equality mission.
The key to the revitalization of the left may reside in its ability to recognize that economic struggles are fundamental. In a world where inequality grows, it is essential for the left to connect with the roots of its message and work for a future where everyone, regardless of its origin, play a significant role in the construction of a fairer society.
