We aim to create more intentional circumstances to engage with dialectical materialism, theories of value, histories of labor struggle and contemporary debates across academic disciplines.

We aim to host emerging and prominent voices from inside Brunswick and from around the world, while connecting ourselves with political movements throughout Maine and working with international partners. Our goal is not to replace existing organizations at Bowdoin but to create a particular forum for the material questions that underlie our concerns. We will produce and archive small publications pertaining to these speakers and lectures that will include research conducted by members.

Socialism is not a vague alternative to current conditions, but a framework that describes where value comes from and how ownership structures determine the distribution of wealth. It asks who controls production, who benefits from labor and whether democratic principles should extend to the economy.

The empirical justification for a socialist organization is straightforward: Gallup polling this year found that 66% of Democrats view socialism positively, while only 42% hold favorable views of capitalism. Among Americans under 30, Cato/YouGov reports that 62% view socialism positively. Axios-Generation Lab’s survey of college students found that 53% hold negative views of capitalism; just 23% feel similarly about socialism. (Read More)

Louise Lawler, Three Flags (swiped and taken), 2022

Faith Ringgold, American People Series #18: The Flag Is Bleeding, 1967

https://www.instagram.com/bowdoinsocialists/

Bowdoin Socialists is an anti-capitalist and anti-fascist coalition for education on political economy.