Definition

Anarcho-syndicalism is a political theory and anarchist school of thought that envisions revolutionary industrial unionism as a way for workers in capitalist society to obtain economic power and social influence. Anarcho-syndicalism is a political position that leans to the left since it supports making significant adjustments to pre-existing structures to bring about broad-based improvements for the working class.

Features of anarcho-syndicalism

Solidarity among workers

Anarcho-syndicalism shares the positive view of human nature held by collectivist anarchism but places a greater focus on the power of individuals to form social solidarity. Because they place such a high value on being a part of a trade union or syndicate, it is clear that they consider productive labor and artistic expression to be essential components of the human experience. The only way that these components may be satisfied is if the oppressive state is done away with. Furthermore, anarcho-syndicalists believe that it is only natural for people in the same line of work to unite in organizations. Therefore, for workers to achieve their goal of liberation, they need to assist one another in their class struggle.

Direct action

Anarcho-syndicalists advocate for the abolition of states since, in their view, both capitalism and the state are inherently exploitative and authoritarian systems. They believe that the only way to abolish capitalism is to violently overthrow the state. The workers can bring down the state by going on a general strike, participating in large-scale protests, and committing acts of violence. Direct action is defined as an activity concentrated on directly achieving a goal, as opposed to indirect action, which could include electing a representative to a government position. Anarcho-syndicalists believe that only direct action will enable workers to liberate themselves.

Workers’ self-management

Workers’ organizations should be self-managing, according to anarcho-syndicalists. These are the groups that fight against the wage system and, according to anarcho-syndicalist thought, will ultimately form the foundation of a new society.

Anarcho-syndicalism is a political ideology that argues for a decentralized society that is organized along the lines of a trade union or syndicate. Within this society, groups of workers who do comparable professions create autonomous organizations that are self-governing. The occupational solidarity of its members provides the natural foundation for a well-ordered stateless society.

Rejected private property

Economic arrangements adhering to anarcho-syndicalism are opposed to capitalism and the concept of individual property ownership. The federated organizations of workers exercise collective ownership over their means of production and engage in mutually beneficial exchanges of commodities and services based on the real worth of the labor that goes into creating them.

Anarcho-Communism or Anarcho-Syndicalism

Anarcho-syndicalism is a kind of anarchism that is particularly focused on the labor movement. Its goal is to reconstruct society so that the working class is afforded more equitable salaries and treatment. Anarcho-communism is a kind of anarchism that also aspires to abolish the state, along with private property and capitalism. However, anarcho-communism also advocates for a socialist economic system. As a replacement for it, the implementation of common ownership of the means of production of products is done instead.