Anarchism: Utopianism

The term ‘utopian’ is often used pejoratively to refer to beliefs that are impossible or unrealistic, linked to unachievably high goals. It is therefore unclear whether utopia as ‘no place’ implies that no such society yet exists or that no such society could exist. A series of further controversies surround utopia and utopianism. For example, does utopian thinking have to conform to a particular structure or have a particular function, or do all projects of political or social enhancement have a utopian character? 

Examples of Modern Utopians

Robert Owen (1771–1858) A Welsh socialist, industrialist, and pioneer of the cooperative movement, Owen’s thought was based upon the belief that the social environment forms human character, and he therefore asserted that progress requires the construction of a ‘rational system of society’. He opposed organized religion, the conventional institution of marriage, and private property. Owen advocated the construction of small-scale cooperative communities in which property would be communally owned and essential goods freely distributed. Owen’s principal work is A New View of Society (1816). 

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809–65) Proudhon attacked both traditional property rights and communism, arguing instead for mutualism, a cooperative productive system geared towards need rather than profit and organized within self-governing communities. His famous dictum, ‘property is theft’, rejected wealth accumulation but allowed for small-scale property ownership in the form of ‘possessions’, a vital source of independence and initiative. Proudhon’s major works include What Is Property? (1840), Philosophy of Poverty (an attack on Marx) (1846), The Idea of the Revolution in the Nineteenth Century (1851), and The Federal Principle (1863). 

Peter Kropotkin  Kropotkin’s work reflected a scientific approach and offered a different view of evolution than Darwin’s. He emphasized 'mutual aid' as a key factor in the growth of both humans and animals. This perspective aimed to support the foundations of anarchism and communism. Kropotkin envisioned a society made up of mainly self-governing communes, where life would thrive under principles of freedom and mutual support.

However, Individualist anarchists have a realist understanding of human nature. Many anarchists reject the project of building societies. They believe anarchism is impossible because they think a government is necessary for society to function well. Others argue that If we remove the harmful effects of government, the goals of anarchism can become reality. Anarchism looks seriously at the issues within modern states, such as the failures of democracy and the corrupting effects of power.

Utopianism suggests that a peaceful society without conflict can be created. Some people believe that this vision can be achieved, while others argue that it confuses what is wished for with what is possible. 

The suggestion that anarchists are utopian is because collectivist anarchists view human nature optimistically. This criticism tends to come from conservatives who see human nature as flawed. For conservatives, government is essential in ensuring that people act reasonably and responsibly. The label utopian also follows from the lack of clear plans for building the societies they envision and there is no proven example of a successful anarchist society to date. 

Anarchists all have their ideas of an ideal society. Different types of anarchism offer various visions, but they all agree that the state should be abolished and replaced with a more natural social order. Individualist anarchists advocate for the elimination of the state along with any formal social or economic structures. In contrast, anarcho-communists and collectivist anarchists want to establish a new system that replaces capitalism and the state. Their vision includes mutual support, shared ownership of property, and economic fairness, all based on communities that members can shape as they see fit. Anarcho-capitalists envision a society where individual interests are balanced. They view economic competition and property rights as natural and believe that this competition requires no external control. In their ideal capitalist world, everyone gets what they deserve as long as they earn it through their own efforts and hard work.