In "Making Capitalism Fit for Society," Colin Crouch argues that there is a need for assertive social democracy. Crouch makes clear that social democracy differs from socialism. While socialism seeks to replace capitalism with state control of the economy, social democracy accepts the market and private ownership as the best way to conduct most economic business. However, markets are unable to meet all societal goals. There is a role for government within capitalist society. That role is to ensure that the collective needs of citizens not addressed by the markets are met.

Crouch clearly explains the differences between the dominant neoliberal paradigm and that of social democracy. He discusses the strengths and weaknesses of each mindset. Crouch does not hide his dissatisfaction with the neoliberal approach to the economy. The book’s purpose is to justify the need for social democracy. However, the book is not a mindless, emotionally-driven attack on neoliberalism. This book is for readers who want to understand the challenges of creating a form of capitalism that supports a more equitable society. Crouch writes for the thoughtful reader who is interested in living within a society that balances profit and people. ( )

I approached this book in the spirit of something that I ought to read, rather than wanting so to do. The book was a pleasant surprise, in that it is written in a style that, whilst professorial and measured, never loses the average reader (me!!).

Professor Crouch writes from an unashamedly left of centre position, but is far from the old idea of the raving 'Trot' academic. He explains clearly, and I think in a fairly unconfrontational way, where we are politically and how we got here. He concentrates, but not exclusively, on the UK and seems to instinctively know when to push on at speed and where greater explanation is required. I found that I could understand every concept after a single reading - and I am certainly no financial wizz-kid!

Where the book is a little more fuzzy, is in the strategies needed to move to a fair society now that the Labour Party has renounced the old socialist propositions of state ownership of the means of production. Again, I would be surprised if many people would argue the fact that, whilst a level of common sense from the Labour Party is welcome, the headlong rush into a congested middle ground, where one party looks much like another, is something to be regretted. Many people feel disenfranchised and the number of voters falls with each fresh election.

The one concept which I (remember, a fiscal ignoramus) would have liked to see tackled, is the possibility that Capitalism is simply running out of time: this is an almost taboo topic and, whenever I try to raise it, it seems that the stock reaction is to shout it down as proof that I am a Communist (I AM NOT!!!) Capitalism has not been an ever present state of human life and, I see no reason why it should last for ever, however, this is not broached and so, I shall get off my soap box.

This book is well worth the read, whether your political persuasion is to the left, right or totally apathetic. Colin Crouch has written a book that, were everyone to read it, the discussion of our future could be held upon a higher plain than it is currently. ( )