Saving Democracy From The Managerial Elite: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Our Democratic Values

In the face of growing global challenges, the preservation of democracy has become paramount. However, our democratic systems are under threat from a formidable adversary: the managerial elite. This highly educated and influential group, driven by a relentless pursuit of efficiency and control, has gradually eroded the fundamental principles of democratic governance.

The emergence of managerialism is closely intertwined with the rise of modern bureaucracy and the increasing complexity of society. As organizations grew in size and scope, the need for specialized knowledge and expertise became evident. This led to the professionalization of management and the rise of a managerial class.

Managerial elites are often characterized by their:

The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite

by Michael Lind

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1229 KB
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• Advanced education (typically MBAs or other degrees in business administration)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Emphasis on efficiency, performance metrics, and hierarchy

While managerialism has undoubtedly contributed to economic growth and organizational efficiency, its pervasive influence has come at a cost to democratic values. The managerial elite, driven by their narrow focus on efficiency and control, has:

• Undermined Citizen Participation: Managerial elites tend to favor technocratic solutions and expert decision-making, sidelining citizen input and civic engagement.
• Concentrated Power in the Hands of a Few: The managerial elite's emphasis on hierarchy and performance metrics has led to the centralization of power in the hands of a small group of individuals.
• Eroded Public Accountability: Managerial elites often operate with a sense of autonomy, shielded from public scrutiny and accountability.
• Suppressed Dissent and Critical Thinking: Managerial cultures prioritize conformity and obedience, discouraging dissent and critical thinking essential for healthy democracies.
• Corrupted the Political Process: The revolving door between the managerial elite and political office has created a cozy relationship that can compromise the integrity of democratic institutions.

The negative effects of managerialism are evident in a range of contexts, including:

• Education: The imposition of standardized testing and performance metrics has narrowed the curriculum and stifled creativity in schools.
• Healthcare: The managerial takeover of hospitals has led to a focus on profit maximization and cost-cutting at the expense of patient care.
• Public Services: Managerialism has transformed public services into mechanistic organizations, reducing their responsiveness to citizen needs.
• Politics: The dominance of managerial elites in political parties has led to a decline in ideological diversity and a focus on technocratic solutions over democratic principles.

To safeguard our democratic values from the encroachment of managerialism, it is crucial to implement practical solutions. This includes:

• Empowering Citizens: Encouraging active citizen participation, fostering civic engagement, and strengthening citizen oversight of public institutions.
• Decentralizing Power: Reversing the centralization of power by empowering local communities and promoting participatory decision-making.
• Enhancing Public Accountability: Holding managerial elites accountable to the public by increasing transparency, strengthening whistleblower protections, and promoting independent oversight mechanisms.
• Fostering Dissent and Critical Thinking: Creating spaces for open dialogue, encouraging constructive criticism, and protecting academic freedom and free speech.
• Reforming Political Institutions: Reducing the influence of managerial elites in political parties and promoting a more democratic and accountable political process.

The preservation of democracy requires vigilance against the corrosive effects of managerialism. By empowering citizens, decentralizing power, enhancing accountability, fostering dissent, and reforming political institutions, we can strengthen our democratic values and ensure that our democratic systems remain responsive to the needs of the people they serve.

Join the movement to save democracy from the managerial elite. Support organizations that promote civic engagement, demand transparency and accountability, and advocate for democratic reforms. By working together, we can protect our democratic heritage and build a more just and equitable society for generations to come.

The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite

by Michael Lind

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1229 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	222 pages

FREE