Abstract
The prevalence of social injustice suggests the need for radical transformation of political economy and governance. This article develops the concept of ‘everyday radicalism’, which positions the everyday as a potential site of social change. Everyday radicalism is based on three main elements: dissensus and a rupture with dominant practices; collective rebellion and the creation of alternatives on a micro-scale; and the connection of these practices with utopian ideas to be able to develop strategies for social justice. The potential application of everyday radicalism is illustrated through a case study of a women’s social intervention in Manchester. The article aims to show how everyday radicalism has the potential to contribute knowledge towards the transformation of everyday life and the institutions that govern society.
Highlights
The need for radical social and political transformation feels as distant as it does urgent
The women have begun to form therapeutic networks of care to reduce isolation and support each other. Their collective practices reflect the development of everyday social solidarities, which form the basis of Mums Marts’ more cooperative approach. These cooperative relationships stand in distinction to the competitive and individualised social relations inherent the dominant mode of political economy
This article has argued that the DIY social action of ‘everyday makers’ can be related to theories of radical democracy to contribute knowledge for the development of social and political alternatives beyond the immediate context in which they are operating
Summary
The need for radical social and political transformation feels as distant as it does urgent. Civil society is identified through radical democracy as the foundation for a renewed public sphere, which can serve as the basis to radically transform social relations and open up institutions to political contestation. This contestation means that democracy is said to exist in an open state which necessitates ‘disruption and renewal’ There is an absence of meaningful connection between ‘ordinary politics’ and formal governance as the innovations that take place outside of institutions are often neglected by policy-makers This disconnection happens even when measures to increase participation have been followed. Everyday radicalism will be illustrated through a case study of a women’s project in Manchester, England
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