The Mechanics of Progressive Politics: New Coalitions for Justice
About the Session
Progressive parties are deeply anchored in social movements, long advocating for the rights of workers, the working and middle class, women's rights, the LGBTQIA+ community, and peace and climate activists. In this respect, progressive politics has been a force in transforming society by making it more inclusive and just. More recently, the transformation from industrial to service capitalism, the rise of digital technologies, the decline of blue-collar jobs, an aging population, and the increasing urbanization with a new middle class have driven the individualization of society. Andreas Reckwitz, a German sociologist, calls this the “singularization of the social”. These developments have greatly impacted parliamentary and societal coalitions and the mechanics of progressive politics. As a consequence, majorities for progressives are shifting, new alliances are needed. As these progressive parties strive to stay in power, this session will examine the issues that have resonated and rallied progressive actors to electoral victories - and which coalitions are more successful than others, and why. Because after all, progress needs majorities.