Definition:
Alternative systems are social, economic, or organisational models that operate outside, alongside, or in opposition to dominant capitalist structures, prioritising different values such as care, equity, sustainability, or collective wellbeing.
Usage Context:
Used in political theory, social movements, cooperative economics, community organising, and discussions of post-capitalist futures.
Critical Note:
Alternative systems are often dismissed as unrealistic or utopian without serious engagement. This dismissal functions to protect the status quo by framing existing systems as the only viable option, regardless of their harms.
Related Terms:
Post-Capitalism, Decommodification, Degrowth, Mutual Aid, Commons-Based Systems