Ideas for Action: Relevant Theory for Radical Change

By Cynthia Kaufman

Book Overview

Written in an engaging and accessible style, Ideas for Action gives activists the intellectual tools to turn discontent into a plan of action. Exploring a wide range of political traditions—including Marxism, anarchism, anti-imperialism, poststructualism, feminism, critical race theory, and environmentalism—Cynthia Kaufman acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of a variety of political movements and the ideologies inspired by or -generated through them. Kaufman incorporates elements of her own activist experiences, and offers a coherent analysis without pretending to offer "the final word" on complex issues. Instead, she encourages inquiry and further investigation, offering readers the information to orient a critical understanding of the social world and a glimpse of the excitement and rewards of serious intellectual engagement with political ideas.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0896086933
• ISBN13: 9780896086937
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: South End Press
• Length: 342 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.7" x 5.4"

Customer Reviews

Chock full of ideas for action

This book is an invaluable source for a wide range of progressive ideas. The writting is very clear and lucid, never getting bogged down in semantics or pomp. It was as if you are listening to a teacher who is genuinely interested in giving you all the theoretical tools you might need to get up and take action. A lot of topics are covered dealing with capitalism, racism, sexism, environmentalism, alternative economic/politcal systems, and role of the media, just to name a few. In the process, a variety of writers and thinkers from different epochs and regions are quoted and discussed. Overall, I think that this is an excellent introductory text for those seeking to conceive what a better society should look like.

perfect condition

This text arrived to me as described, in new condition with no markings. Shipping was fast.

political ideas in practice

Cynthia Kaufman's IDEAS FOR ACTION is a sophisticated but highly readable analyis of key political issues and ideas. Drawing on a wide range of historical sources, Ms. Kaufman cuts through theoretical abstractions with intelligence and grace. Her real-life examples make complex issues concrete. Far more valuable than the superficial, ahistorical commentary of most television and print journalism, this book is a delight to read and an inspiration for social action.

What a book!

What a book! Ideas for Action is probably the best book I've read this decade; it's a precious instrument of serious activists. As an activist, I see myself as a practitioner more than an academian. And usually I find no time, no interest and no pleasure reading theoretical books. I usually find them to be too much at a distance from the real world, from reality. It's the famous between the position on a podium and the people down there in the room to whom one is giving a lecture; this book is not imposing that distance. This book is purposely written in solidarity for a better society. It is the work of an academian who also happens to be a practitioner. Ms. Kaufman released Ideas with the " . . . hopes that you will find some way to use it in your work. I wrote the book to help people new to radical politics to gain some orientations to radical thought and history, and to encourage a deepening to reflection on the part of experienced social justice activists." And let me tell you, her hopes are bearing fruit.

Sharp presentation of progressive politics and analysis

I definitely recommend Cynthia Kaufman's Ideas for Action : Relevant Theory for Radical Change. I'd particularly recommend it to anyone interested in activism or progressive politics. The book is designed as a way for activists to get a grasp of a broad range of progressive topics quickly and coherently, and it's a clear description of globalization, capitalism, racism, sexism, Gramsci, activism. But in the process, she writing the clearest statement of left activists beliefs I've seen. More experienced activists and intellectuals are likely to get a nice "aha" moment as they recognize ideas they use, but hadn't related to each other, presented concisely and convincingly. She also does a great job of presenting the diversity of progressive positions and beliefs without partisanship that would prevent a reader from taking their own sides. Useful in a bunch of ways.