mutualizmust

Mutualism is a political and economic philosophy that advocates for a society where individuals cooperate and associate freely in voluntary, democratic associations and workplaces. It is a form of libertarian socialism that emerged in the 19th century. Key tenets of mutualism include mutual credit, worker self-management, and the belief that individuals should receive the full value of their labor. Mutualists often critique wage labor, viewing it as a system that allows employers to extract surplus value from workers.

The concept of mutualism is closely associated with the ideas of Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, who is often considered the founder of the ideology. Proudhon famously declared "Property is theft," but this statement was directed at exploitative forms of property ownership, particularly land rent and interest. Mutualists generally do not oppose personal possession or the right to use property, but rather advocate for collective or usufructuary ownership of the means of production and distribution. They believe that a system of free credit and mutual exchange, facilitated by mutual banks, would allow workers to control their own enterprises and eliminate the need for profit-driven capitalism or state control.

Mutualism emphasizes reciprocity and voluntary cooperation as the basis for social and economic organization. It seeks to create a society where economic power is decentralized and where individuals have autonomy over their work and lives. Mutualists often envision a society composed of a network of decentralized communes and cooperatives.