Autonomism

Autonomism

Autonomism is a set of anti-authoritarian left-wing political and social movements that emerged in Italy in the 1960s. It is characterized by its focus on the autonomy of social movements from traditional political structures, such as political parties and trade unions. Autonomism emphasizes direct action, self-organization, and the creation of alternative social structures.

Historical Background

Autonomism has its roots in the workerist (operaismo) movement in Italy during the 1960s. Workerism focused on the power of the working class and the importance of direct action in the struggle against capitalism. The movement was influenced by Marxism, but it rejected the traditional Marxist focus on the centrality of the party and the state.

In the 1970s, autonomism spread beyond Italy, influencing social movements in other parts of Europe and the Americas. It became associated with a variety of struggles, including those of students, feminists, and environmentalists.

Key Concepts

Autonomy

The central concept of autonomism is autonomy, which refers to the ability of individuals and groups to self-organize and self-manage without reliance on external authorities. Autonomists believe that true social change can only occur when people take control of their own lives and communities.

Direct Action

Direct action is a key tactic used by autonomists. It involves taking immediate, collective action to achieve a goal, rather than relying on intermediaries such as politicians or bureaucrats. Examples of direct action include strikes, occupations, and demonstrations.

Prefigurative Politics

Autonomism is often associated with prefigurative politics, which is the idea that the means of achieving social change should reflect the desired ends. This means creating and experimenting with new forms of social organization that embody the values of equality, cooperation, and self-management.

Influence and Legacy

Autonomism has had a significant impact on a variety of social movements around the world. It has influenced the anti-globalization movement, the Occupy movement, and various forms of anarchism.

In Italy, autonomism played a major role in the social struggles of the 1970s, including the Autonomia Operaia movement. It also influenced the development of social centers (centri sociali), which are self-managed spaces used for political and cultural activities.

Criticisms

Critics of autonomism argue that its rejection of traditional political structures can lead to fragmentation and a lack of strategic direction. Others claim that its focus on local and immediate struggles can overlook the need for broader systemic change.

See Also

• Anarchism
• Direct democracy
• Social movements
• Workerism

References

• Wright, Steve. Storming Heaven: Class Composition and Struggle in Italian Autonomist Marxism. London: Pluto Press, 2002.
• Cleaver, Harry. Reading Capital Politically. Austin: University of Texas Press, 1979.

External Links

• Libcom.org on Autonomism
• Marxists Internet Archive on Autonomism