Thinking Collectively

“This book is both frustrating and highly engaging. Just as soon as the reader... starts to recognise left-wing progressive values of collectivism, Spicker provides examples of how collectivist approaches also support conservative and right-wing politics... this is an important book as it challenges assumptions about collective thinking while at the same time helping to clarify why and when ‘collective’ thinking is crucial…” Critical Social Policy

"Spicker has produced a thought provoking set of arguments and covers a wide range of varied literature which students should find both accessible and valuable." Journal of Social Policy

“Paul Spicker asks how to think-with, live-with, and be-with collectives in this important new book which sees afresh the possibilities of collective life. Crucially, it also reinstates the significance of the common good and value of the common weal for social scientists and activists.” Stephen A. Webb, Glasgow Caledonian University

“This concise and well-written book is a compelling and timely reminder of the importance of collective action and political community.” Daniel Béland, McGill University

Paul Spicker is Emeritus Professor of Public Policy at Robert Gordon University; he works independently as a writer and commentator on social policy. His previous books on applied social theory include Liberty, equality, fraternity (2006), Reclaiming Individualism (2013), and Arguments for Welfare (2017).

Part I: Collectivism

Substantive collectivism: collectivism in practice

Methodological collectivism: social science and social policy

Moral collectivism

The individual and the collective

Community

Part II: Collective action for the common good

Government and collective action

Radical democracy

Collective values

Policies for the common good

The common weal