Open Tribe

by Sue Goss

(Lawrence & Wishart in association with Compass £10)

We all have our tribal loyalties, whether cultural, political or sporting. Such loyalties can be positive but can also lead to us excluding others. 

In this fascinating book Sue Goss looks at how we can change politics and the way politics is practised by looking more closely at solidarity and how it can inform a new political approach. 

Arising out of a Compass conference in 2013, Goss interviewed a number of leading figures on the left to discuss what creating a good society involves. 

In the 19th century “tribal solidarity” enabled working-class communities to protect themselves, she says, but that sort of solidarity has today become associated with “being closed to strangers, narrow-minded, sexist and even racist.” 

Is it possible, she asks, to hold on to that positive sense of solidarity but make it more open and welcoming. 

With capitalist globalisation, community cohesion and solidarity is being challenged everywhere, but it has to be supported if we want a healthy society.

Goss shows how politics on the party political level has been hollowed out, debased to the level of sound bites, media packages and infantilisation. 

Instead of promoting conversation, seeking solutions to problems, party political figures tell us that they know everything, have all the answers and they don’t talk to or listen to ordinary people. 

That’s why most people are turning away from the political process, but this doesn’t mean they are not interested in politics, social change or social justice. 

She says that her interviews, which form the basis for this book, point to the many social movements and campaigns blossoming at the expense of formal politics, as well as growing networks — there has always been an element of “counter-culture.” The task is to channel all that energy, anger and commitment to bringing about change.

Mainstream parties are run with centralised command structures and party conferences have become rallies for media presentation, where everyone agrees on everything — there is no longer even a semblance of democratic debate and formulation of policy.

Unfortunately she doesn’t mention the role of organisations like the People’s Assembly movement or the Citizens UK living wage campaign. But, nevertheless, this is a very useful book to stimulate debate on the left about how we can best change the political structures and debate in the country.

John Green