Steps to Counter Corporatism

Taking Action for a Fairer System

In the previous article, we explored how corporatism, rather than capitalism, has come to dominate much of the U.S. and global economic systems. How large corporations, with their immense power and influence, work hand-in-hand with governments to create a system that benefits the few at the expense of true competition and opportunity. While the forces of corporatism may seem overwhelming, there are steps individuals and communities can take to reduce its impact and promote a fairer, more genuinely capitalist system.

1. Support Local and Independent Businesses

Corporatism thrives on the dominance of large corporations, which often suppress competition from smaller businesses. One of the most effective ways to push back is by actively supporting local and independent businesses. These businesses are essential to maintaining a healthy, competitive economy and keeping wealth within communities.

• Why It Matters: Local businesses invest in their communities, provide jobs, and foster healthy competition. Supporting them helps to decentralize economic power.
• What You Can Do: Shop at local stores, farmers’ markets, and independent businesses. Avoid large, monopolistic corporations when possible, and seek out alternatives.

2. Promote Cooperative and Worker-Owned Businesses

Cooperative and worker-owned businesses offer an alternative to traditional corporate structures. These organizations distribute ownership and profits more equitably, giving workers a stake in the company’s success. They prioritize the well-being of their employees and communities rather than just maximizing profits for distant shareholders.

• Why It Matters: Cooperative businesses promote economic democracy, empowering workers and ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth.
• What You Can Do: Support cooperatives and worker-owned businesses in your community. Look for opportunities to invest in or even start cooperatives that prioritize shared ownership.

3. Reduce Dependence on Corporate Tech Platforms

Tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Amazon have enormous control over our digital lives, often using personal data to further consolidate power. By reducing your dependence on these corporate tech platforms, you can reduce their influence and protect your privacy.

• Why It Matters: Big Tech companies hold significant power over information, public discourse, and personal data. Reducing their dominance helps foster a more decentralized and equitable digital ecosystem.
• What You Can Do: Explore alternatives to major tech platforms. Use privacy-focused, open-source software, and support decentralized or independent tech solutions.

4. Get Involved in Grassroots Movements

Corporatism is a deeply entrenched system, but grassroots movements have historically been effective at challenging the status quo. By joining or supporting movements that advocate for fair economic policies, stronger regulations on corporate power, and environmental sustainability, individuals can contribute to larger systemic change.

• Why It Matters: Grassroots movements are essential for bringing attention to corporate abuses and pushing for policies that promote economic justice.
• What You Can Do: Join movements that fight for workers’ rights, anti-monopoly laws, environmental justice, and campaign finance reform. Support organizations that advocate for reducing corporate influence in government.

5. Advocate for Campaign Finance Reform

Corporations exert enormous influence in politics through lobbying and campaign contributions. Reforming how campaigns are financed can limit corporate control over political decision-making and ensure that the interests of the people, not corporations, are prioritized.

• Why It Matters: Reducing corporate money in politics can lead to policies that better reflect the will of the people, rather than the interests of large corporations.
• What You Can Do: Support organizations and movements that advocate for campaign finance reform. Pressure your representatives to support legislation that limits corporate donations and increases transparency in political spending.

6. Push for Stronger Antitrust Enforcement

Antitrust laws are meant to protect competition by preventing monopolies from forming. In recent decades, however, enforcement of these laws has been lax, allowing corporations to consolidate power. Stronger antitrust enforcement can break up monopolies and restore competition.

• Why It Matters: Monopolies harm consumers by stifling innovation and controlling prices. Breaking them up promotes healthy competition and benefits smaller businesses.
• What You Can Do: Stay informed about monopolistic practices and support initiatives that push for antitrust enforcement. Encourage your representatives to take action against corporate mergers that reduce competition.

7. Practice Ethical Consumption

Corporations are driven by consumer demand. By making informed choices about the companies you support, you can help create a culture of ethical consumption that rewards businesses that prioritize social responsibility, fair wages, and sustainable practices.

• Why It Matters: Ethical consumption encourages corporations to adopt more responsible practices, as consumers reward companies that align with their values.
• What You Can Do: Research the companies you buy from. Look for certifications like Fair Trade or B Corp that signify ethical business practices. Boycott companies known for unethical behavior or exploitative labor practices.

8. Participate in Local Governance

Corporate influence often extends into local politics, where it can shape policies that favor large businesses over community interests. By getting involved in local governance, individuals can push for policies that support small businesses, fair wages, and environmental sustainability.

• Why It Matters: Local governments can be a key battleground for resisting corporatism and supporting policies that promote local economies and community well-being.
• What You Can Do: Attend town hall meetings, vote in local elections, and support candidates who prioritize local business over corporate interests. Get involved in local planning boards or community organizations.

9. Build Self-Sustaining Communities

One way to reduce reliance on corporate systems is to build or participate in self-sustaining communities. These communities often prioritize local food production, renewable energy, and shared resources, reducing dependence on corporate-controlled supply chains.

• Why It Matters: Self-sustaining communities create resilience against corporatist systems by reducing reliance on monopolistic supply chains and fostering local cooperation.
• What You Can Do: Start or join community gardens, renewable energy projects, or cooperative housing initiatives. Invest in self-sufficient infrastructure like solar power, water collection systems, or community-based food systems.

10. Educate and Raise Awareness

Corporatism thrives partly because many people don’t realize the extent of corporate control over their lives. By educating others and raising awareness, individuals can help build a movement that questions the legitimacy of corporatism and advocates for a fairer system.

• Why It Matters: Raising awareness is the first step in creating change. An informed populace is more likely to push back against corporatist systems and advocate for reforms.
• What You Can Do: Share information about corporatism and its effects on your community and the wider economy. Host discussions, write about the issue, or use social media to raise awareness.

Conclusion

While it may seem daunting to tackle the systemic nature of corporatism, small, consistent actions can make a difference. By supporting local businesses, advocating for campaign finance reform, practicing ethical consumption, and participating in grassroots movements, individuals and communities can begin to push back against corporate dominance. The goal is not just to fight corporatism but to build a more equitable, fair, and genuinely competitive economic system.

By engaging with these steps, you can play a part in creating a future where economic power is decentralized, markets are fair, and people, not corporations, hold the reins of their own futures.

Read More:

For those looking to delve deeper into the topics covered in this article, here are some additional resources that provide further insight and practical tools to combat corporatism and promote a fairer, more just economic system:

1. “The Small-Mart Revolution: How Local Businesses Are Beating the Global Competition” by Michael H. Shuman
   Learn how local businesses can thrive in a corporatist world and why supporting them matters.
2. Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR)
   Explore research and strategies for building strong local economies and combating corporate monopolies.
3. “Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice” by Jessica Gordon Nembhard
   A deep dive into cooperative economics and its importance in fostering economic democracy.
4. The Democracy at Work Institute
   An organization focused on expanding worker-owned cooperatives and promoting economic democracy.
5. “Surveillance Capitalism: The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power” by Shoshana Zuboff
   Understand the dangers of Big Tech and how corporate platforms use data to control markets and people.
6. Mastodon and Signal
   Consider using decentralized, privacy-focused alternatives to corporate tech platforms to reduce dependence on monopolistic services.
7. “No Shortcuts: Organizing for Power in the New Gilded Age” by Jane McAlevey
   A guide to effective grassroots organizing in the face of corporate power.
8. Public Citizen
   A consumer advocacy organization dedicated to challenging corporate power and promoting democracy.
9. OpenSecrets.org
   Track corporate money in politics and stay informed about campaign finance and lobbying efforts.
10. “The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age” by Tim Wu
    Learn about the importance of antitrust laws and how stronger enforcement can curb corporate monopolies.
11. Fair Trade Certified and B Corporation
    Support companies and products that prioritize ethical practices and sustainable development.
12. “The Transition Handbook: From Oil Dependency to Local Resilience” by Rob Hopkins
    A practical guide to building self-sustaining, resilient communities