The Production of Commons and the “Explosion” of the Middle Class

Abstract

This paper builds on the author's previous theoretical work on the role of processes such as enclosures, market discipline and governance. It discusses the middle class in terms of a stratified field of subjectivity within the planetary wage hierarchy produced by these processes. It discusses the thesis that the middle class, qua middle class, will never be able to contribute to bring about a fundamental change in the capitalist system of livelihood reproduction. The production in common centered on middle class values-however historically and culturally specific they are-is always production in common within the system. Our common action as middle class action, whether as consumers, workers, or citizens, reproduces the system of value and value hierarchy that is the benchmark, the referent point for our cooperation. The paper then discusses some of the implications of the conundrum faced by those who seek alternatives: there will be no "beginning of history" without the middle class, nor there will be one with the middle class.

Personalisation and Austerity in the Crosshairs: Government Perspectives on the Remaking of Adult Social Care

“…It would seem there is still a continuing role in research for an independent critique of government -in terms of their wider policies and functioning (see for example, Hall et al, 2013), and also in terms of the inevitability of austerity in particular (De Angelis, 2010). It would seem there is still a continuing role in research for an independent critique of government -in terms of their wider policies and functioning (see for example, Hall et al, 2013), and also in terms of the inevitability of austerity in particular (De Angelis, 2010).…”

«smart Cities» of the Debt Crisis: Grassroots Creativity in Mediterranean Europe

“…The shrinkage of the centralized and hierarchical public realm of the 20 th century, especially during the debt crisis, reveals a new shared space, managed by the grassroots rather than the state, and hence, 'common' rather than public (De Angelis, 2010). It also brings to light new configurations in the context of the virtualization and decentralization of actions and struggles (Amin, 2009).…”

“…Alternative/ diverse economies and 'commoning' have been documented by voluminous bibliography (Gibson-Graham, 2008De Angelis, 2010;Stavrides, 2014;Gritzas and Kavoulakos, 2015): grassroots networks of solidarity initiatives and survival ventures support new definitions of the 'commons' and the so-called social and solidarity economy.…”

“…It is worth exploring ways to enhance this trend and strategies of reversal of the urban meltdown. As the previously unchallenged hegemony of neoliberalism is contested during the crisis, we can venture to emphasize the grassroots dimension and its post-materialist values superseding consumerism (Gibson-Graham, 2008;Grodach, 2013;De Angelis, 2010).…”

“…The 'right to the city' today retains its emphasis on struggles for housing and against evictions, is often assisted by iCt, and emphasizes the urban 'commons' (De Angelis, 2010;Stavrides, 2014). Counter-eviction mobilizations predominate in Spain and Italy, whereas in Greece there are mobilizations for reclaiming public space as common space.…”