During a Communist Society discussion on women’s oppression in Cardiff, a question was raised about the limits of freedom under capitalism.
Despite having a number of legal freedoms – at least in western democracies – women still face social oppression and discrimination on a daily basis, whether it comes to the workplace, family life, or on campus.
The same contradiction – between our formal, legal freedoms, and the complete lack of freedom under capitalism – is true for all exploited and oppressed groups.
Here, Adam Ulhaq from Imperial College London deals with the question: ‘Does capitalism give us freedom?’
The apologists for today’s system tell us that capitalism gives us freedom to live how we want, say what we want, and work where we want.
To these liberals, Western democracy implies the greatest freedom imaginable. But is it actually freedom?
A cursory inspection of life in Britain already exposes the limits of democratic ‘freedoms’. They say ‘freedom of movement’, but we can barely afford the roof over our heads.
They say ‘freedom of speech’, but the police arrest pro-Palestine protestors. They say ‘freedom to work’, but there are no jobs for young people.
When we look at the concrete reality the truth becomes obvious. The only people who are ‘free’ are the wealthiest in society. Capitalism means freedom for the exploiters, and slavery for the exploited.
In other words, every freedom that workers in struggle have won under capitalism can only be fulfilled if we also have economic freedom.
Take, for example, the right to abortion – which is being attacked in the US. Even if the right exists on paper, is it really a choice when on one hand, so many women cannot afford to raise a child; and on the other, so many cannot afford to opt out of the nuclear family?
In our workplaces, the boss is a dictator, who can make any decision they make for the sake of their profit. In parliamentary elections we are, by and large, given a choice between two capitalist ministers with identical policies.
The apologists are unconcerned by this, as according to them ‘we live in a meritocracy, and anyone can join the wealthy layers of society if they only work hard enough!’
Of course, this is also a lie. The billionaires have a millionfold advantage to exploit the ‘freedom of opportunity’ that exists under capitalism, and keep their own position secure.
Socialism would bring the greatest freedom seen to date. Democratic workers’ management of their workplaces, universities and communities would mean genuine freedom for all to direct their life as they please.
By reducing the working day and improving conditions, we could choose how to develop ourselves culturally. This is what freedom outside of capitalism could provide.
