It is a common occurrence at an SPGB meeting for a member of the audience to say: “Look, you may be right about capitalism, but what exactly will Socialism be like?” The SPGBer will preface his reply by pointing out that he can give no specific blueprint of Socialism. The questioner may jeer in greater or lesser degrees at such an admission and turn to leave the meeting. He cannot wait for Socialism: Socialism then must wait for him. And it does.
The man or woman who is prepared to listen will realize that such a question asks the Socialist to reveal some clairvoyant abilities far beyond those required even to predict what Capitalism will be like next week. The astrologers earn a lucrative living in this way, and yet our member is asked to predict further ahead — and for free! We can only speak in general terms, but it can at least be seen that our predictions relating to capitalism are being constantly proved accurate. This is not because we have mysterious contacts with another world. It is because we have analyzed the way in which this world works.
To make any sort of predictions about Socialism it is necessary to recognize how it is to be introduced. We maintain that once the members of the working class internationally recognize that capitalism is at root a system of society organized and run by themselves, yet which creates problems in direct opposition to their interests, they will recognize that a social system, like any other system, is capable of change. That change will result from their own coordinated efforts and they will take political action to organize a system of society which will operate in their own interests — Socialism.
“Ah now”, says the patient listener, “who does all this co-ordinating of effort and organizing? Surely a leader of some kind?” We refer him to the structure of the SPGB itself. Socialists are aware that each man has a variety of abilities, each in differing proportions, and these may be applied to a variety of work. A considerable control of hand movement is required by both the surgeon and the watch-maker, but it is obvious which one would be chosen to remove an appendix. Similarly, a leader is one who decides for others which path they will take, and then proceeds to lead them up that path. We have no leaders in the SPGB.
Our organizers are those who have some ability to arrange the wishes of members into a cohesive effort to achieve an aim. They are delegated for their abilities in this respect. Should one choose to ignore the wishes of members, he is replaced by another delegate and is left with no-one to organize. This is the way in which a Socialist working class will appoint representatives. And once Socialism has been established, it seems likely that this will be the way adopted in choosing those who will carry out such forms of administration as will exist.
As the supply of goods and services will be freely available to all, it will be necessary for representatives to ensure that a balance is struck between those articles which are required, and those produced. These representatives may meet in local, regional and interregional assemblies, but unlike the awesome meetings of (alleged) mental giants to be witnessed daily in the Houses of Parliament, Socialist delegates will meet with one object in common — the satisfaction of human needs.
Bodies similar to the present-day Egg or Milk Marketing Boards may be of use to Socialists in coordinating the supply of eggs and milk to those areas in which they are needed. It is worth noting that this year the Egg Marketing Board has failed disastrously to arrange the production of eggs. It has managed to creative a massive surplus. Socialists will not be worried by such calamities!
The search for profit which today determines the level of production will be removed, and the incentive for production will become the welfare of all members of society. The disbanding of the armed forces, financial and legal institutions and so on, will mean that many millions of men and women will be free to perform work which is necessary to society. Assuming that some members of Socialist society would choose to carry out work of a similar nature to what they perform today, the scientist engaged in germ-warfare techniques can be of use in research to combat disease. The accountant useful in collating statistics — to gauge social requirements. The Company Rep. as a long distance lorry driver (although it is debatable that the internal combustion engine will be used for power). Bishops and capitalist politicians could further enrich the acting profession. The possibilities are endless.
The condition and location of houses and workplaces would be designed for the maximum of comfort and safety. No longer would the old cry go up: “It’s a good idea, but we can’t afford it.” Machinery will be employed, particularly in work which is dangerous. Men and women will recognize labour, not as an undesirable chore, but as an interesting, satisfying and necessary event. It is likely that less time will be spent engaged in work, and every individual will be free to decide the nature and duration of his or her activity, and to pursue other interests as fully as they wish. The possibilities in life will truly be unfettered.
“Ah. But will anyone work?” A reasonable question? Hardly. It implies a derisive conception of the working man’s mentality. It implies that those who have consciously organized to bring Socialism into being have, in fact, been deliberately false, each one relying on the fact that the other will perform the necessary work while fully intending to perform none himself. We do not accept that the working class is, or that the Socialist working class will be, false to its beliefs. History has shown that no-one has suffered shabbier treatment at the hands of the ruling class than workers, and yet they are willing, even proud, to enter suicidal battlefields on behalf of their masters in time of war. It is not lack of conviction which perpetuates these sacrifices, it is a surfeit of conviction — in Capitalism.
Alan D'Arcy
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