mutualisti

Mutualisti refers to a political and economic philosophy centered on voluntary cooperation and mutual aid. It is a branch of socialism that emphasizes mutualism, meaning that the means of production should be owned and managed by the workers themselves, and that exchange should be based on fair value, often through systems of credit unions and worker cooperatives. Mutualists advocate for a decentralized society where individuals and communities can associate freely and engage in reciprocal transactions without exploitation. Key figures in mutualist thought include Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who is often credited with coining the term "mutualism" and advocating for "property is theft" in the context of absentee ownership, but not personal possessions. The philosophy promotes a system where individuals can benefit from their labor and the value they create, rather than seeing profits accrue to capitalists or state bureaucracies. Mutualists believe that a stateless society, or at least a significantly reduced role for the state, is conducive to fostering true mutual aid and individual liberty. They often propose market-based mechanisms for achieving socialist goals, distinguishing them from other socialist traditions that may advocate for centralized planning or state ownership.