Depending on the type of economy a society has, work can build or erode confidence, consumption can fulfill needs or feed alienated habits, economic decision making can incorporate or exclude participation, and allocation can enrich the few by impoverishing the many or generate equality for all. In this book we describe a new type of economy. In this new economy, work is carried out under the auspices of democratic workplace councils, one person one vote, with sensible delegation of responsibilities. There is no fixed workplace hierarchy. Each worker has a fair share of both desirable and not so desirable things to do, has comparable responsibilities and opportunities, and is equally prepared to participate in decision making.
Consumers receive roughly equal shares of the social product.
While they still shop, act on impulse, and borrow and save, consumers must also do a reasonable job of predicting their consumption in advance. Changes in production and consumption eliminate needless waste in packaging, advertising, product duplication, etc. Collective goods are chosen by consumer councils with one person one vote. Equity and self management prevail, but so do respect for privacy and a positive attitude toward diversity and experimentation. Participatory planning in the new economy is a means by which worker and consumer councils negotiate and revise their proposals for what they will produce and consume.