In this book Paul Hirst makes a major contribution to democratic thinking, advocating "e;associative democracy"e;; the belief that human welfare and liberty are best served when as many of the affairs of society as possible are managed by voluntary and democratically self-governing associations.

Paul Hirst is Professor of Social Theory, Birkbeck College, University of London.

Acknowledgements.

1. A Changed Conjuncture.

2. Associative Principles and Democratic Reform.

3. Associational Ethics and Logics of Collective Action.

4. Associative Democracy and Economic Governance.

5. Current Realities and Economic Reform.

6. Thick Welfare, Thin Collectivism.

7. An Associational and Confederal Welfare State.

Reference.

Suggestions for Further Reading.

Index.