George Douglas Howard Cole
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George Douglas Howard Cole was a British economist and socialist theorist, most notably associated with the Guild Socialism movement. This movement advocated for workers' control of industries, organized into national guilds, operating under state ownership. Cole was a prominent figure in developing Guild Socialist theory, particularly through his writings and his involvement with publications like The New Age and the Daily Herald.12
Guild Socialism emerged in England in the early 20th century, drawing inspiration from medieval guilds. The core idea was to combine public ownership of industries with democratic control by the workers within their respective guilds. While some proponents envisioned the state as a coordinator, others believed its role should be limited to protection. The movement gained traction during World War I but ultimately declined after economic downturns and the end of the war. Cole's contributions were significant in shaping socialist thought, influencing trade unionism and political party programs.21
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Fabianismā¦the academics Harold Laski and G.D.H. Cole (both of whom were sometimes far more radical than mainstream Fabians) as well as Labour Party politicians and activists such as R.H.S. Crossman, Roy Jenkins, Ian Mikardo, Denis Healey, and Margaret Cole. The Fabian Society survived into the 21st century as a thinkā¦
Read Moreā¦the academics Harold Laski and G.D.H. Cole (both of whom were sometimes far more radical than mainstream Fabians) as well as Labour Party politicians and activists such as R.H.S. Crossman, Roy Jenkins, Ian Mikardo, Denis Healey, and Margaret Cole. The Fabian Society survived into the 21st century as a thinkā¦
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ā¦Research Bureau (NFRB), formed by Cole independently of the society in 1931. The NFRB included a number of social-democratic intellectuals, such as Leonard Woolf, William Robson, Hugh Dalton, and Evan Durbin. Laski was briefly involved in the early 1930s. The bureau amalgamated with the Fabian Society in 1938.
Read Moreā¦Research Bureau (NFRB), formed by Cole independently of the society in 1931. The NFRB included a number of social-democratic intellectuals, such as Leonard Woolf, William Robson, Hugh Dalton, and Evan Durbin. Laski was briefly involved in the early 1930s. The bureau amalgamated with the Fabian Society in 1938.
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