Beyond capitalism and socialism: The communitarian alternative

Abstract

A typology of generic and normative criteria for analyzing economic systems is offered which draws on the literature of the New Economics. This is used to evaluate capitalism and socialism, and to posit the characteristics of a new economic system. Following this, a sketch of the intellectual and theoretical roots of the communitarian alternative is presented. Finally, some of the opportunities and constraints and strategic considerations, related to the fulfillment of this "third way", are explored with specific suggestions for action.