Is Liberal Socialism Possible? Reflections on “Real Utopias”*

• Published date: 01 December 2020
• DOI: 10.1177/0032329220962646
• Author: Ira Katznelson
• Date: 01 December 2020
• Subject Matter: Special Issue Articles

https://doi.org/10.1177/0032329220962646

Politics & Society

2020, Vol. 48(4) 525 –538

© The Author(s) 2020

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DOI: 10.1177/0032329220962646

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Special Issue Article

Is Liberal Socialism Possible?

Reflections on “Real

Utopias”*

Ira Katznelson

Columbia University

Abstract

This essay, written in memory of Erik Olin Wright (1947–2019), explores the

possibility of liberal socialism. Wright sought to rescue both liberalism and socialism

from their demonstrated capacity for depredation. His legacy challenges reformers to

proceed with the audacity of real, and realistic, utopianism together with an awareness

that, unfortunately, the obverse of an appealing utopianism always beckons.

Keywords

Erik Olin Wright, utopias, socialism, democracy, liberalism

Corresponding Author:

Ira Katznelson, Columbia University, 716 International Affairs, Mail Code 3320, New York, NY 10027,

USA.

Email: iik1@columbia.edu

*This essay is part of a special issue of Politics & Society celebrating and examining the life and work of

longtime board member Erik Olin Wright (1947–2019).

962646PASXXX10.1177/0032329220962646Politics & SocietyKatznelson

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