korporativismi

Korporativismi is a political and economic ideology that advocates for the organization of society into interest groups, or corporations, which are seen as representing the collective will of their members. These corporations, often organized by industry or profession, are intended to cooperate with the state to manage economic and social affairs. In a corporatist system, these groups are granted significant influence over policy-making, acting as intermediaries between the state and the general population.

The theoretical underpinnings of corporativism suggest that it can foster social harmony and economic stability by integrating different societal interests into a unified structure. Unlike pluralism, where various interest groups compete, corporativism emphasizes a more structured and hierarchical relationship where these groups are formally recognized and integrated into the state apparatus. This can lead to a form of class collaboration rather than class conflict, with representatives from labor, capital, and sometimes the state negotiating common goals.

Historically, corporatist ideas have appeared in various forms. Some distinguish between liberal corporatism, where cooperation is voluntary and based on consent, and state corporatism, which is often imposed by an authoritarian regime and involves greater state control over the corporations. Examples are sometimes drawn from historical periods in countries like Portugal under Salazar or Italy under Mussolini, although the nature and extent of corporatism in these regimes are subject to academic debate. Modern discussions of corporativism often focus on its potential role in regulating markets, ensuring social welfare, and providing a framework for dialogue between economic actors and the government.