Can Democracy ever be a reality in a capitalist society?

Answer 1

No, it's a plutocracy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plutocracy

Voting for representatives, senators and presidents in the common elections doesn't change anything, as long as powerful corporations CONTROL the issues in every sector of government.

Answer 2

In my opinion it can not be because of the innate nature of humankind.

This answer is based upon the premise you do mean democracy to be rule by the majority. I say this because I do see a big joke personally in the use of that term.

I see in a democracy where the majority does rule, the minority are dictated to by the majority, Thus from one view it is a dictatorship in which the minority must surrender to the majority and accept their desires. So under any circumstances when and how can a democracy really be a true democracy as is set forth by the words of the people, by the people, and for the people. Those words should be of the majority, by the majority and for the majority to really declare the truth.

Do smile and think about that for a while. Have a great day.

Answer 3

No, it really has to be a middle ground political system. All capitalists are greedy bastards by nature. So we need people in positions of power with a sense of social responsibility. Even rich capitalists get sick and need the help of others at some time in their lives. You can't buy kindness or love. I'd give you an example of a politician who has a sense of social justice, but they are extremely thin on the ground in the UK right now; despite the fact we have a so called "socialist" government.

Answer 4

Democracy means one man one vote, you are free to vote for whom you like. Capitalism means minimal governmrnt intervention, you are free to do business as you like. They appear to be a good combination.

However, it depends on what you expect from a democracy. In its present form, the people elect a government for a certain number of years and the government is then assumed to make decisions in accordance with the wishes of the people. It's not a case where the wishes of the majority of people are consulted on the decisions - referendums are rarely used with cost used as the usual excuse - they are represented by the people they elected.

Here is where capitalism and the ideal of democracy clash. Capitalism encourages the development of huge corporations, of a class of people with enormous financial resources at their disposal, and hence they use these financial resources to influence people who are voted in, and even who is voted in. The elected people, very often, instead of doing the wishes of the people as it should have been in for an ideal democracy, listen to the wishes of the people who finance them. It is to their own advantage.

It's even more insidious when there is a sham of democracy within the capitalist system itself. And this is called publicly listed companies and shareholder participation. Most members of the public have no influence whatsoever on corporate policy, and on what the corporations they hold shares in do, who they finance and lobby. Think about it, CEOs can make millions, be given thousands of share options every year, and the ordinary shareholder thinks he has any power over the company...

It does seem that democracy and capitalism are actually opposed to each other.

But that is not really true.

Remember who decides to vote or not to vote, to believe the campaign propangada or to research the issues, whether to run for office or who to vote for... It's us, the ordinary people.

Remember who decides not to go to shareholders meetings, who decides not to vote in Companies General Meetings, it's us.

Remember who is willing to buy products from companies who are doing things we disagree with, who therefore finance the millions CEOs get so they can lobby the politicians, it's us.

The power actually lies with us, but we do nothing with it. We are like someone having a light sabre at his belt, but slavishly obeys someone who is has a penknife and shouts at him.

Capitalism and democracy are not incompatible, democracy can be a reality on a capitalist society of we bother to harness the power we have and use it.

However, most of us are not bothered, so in real life, chances are the capitalist society will continue be closer to an oligarchy than a democracy, and it will be because we chose to let it happen.

Answer 5

There is no capitalism as indicated in Communist manifesto now a days.When Karl Marx wrote Das Capital industry was owned by one person or few persons.Moden capitalism is based more or less based on collective ownership in as much as even biggest multinational is OWNED by LARGE number of shareholders,each individual holding only small portion of capital.The MD is decided by election by share holders.Modern capitalism is based on principles of democracy.Democracy and capitalism are two sides of the same coin now,

Answer 6

it always depends on the society itself
we should all make decisions & vote for the seek of our countries
hoping we are doing well
i think democracy is reality

Answer 7

democracy is the only way to live , see china its still a communist country but she came to know that communism alone cant allow it live , its gotta be capatalism...

now for ur question , i would say YES , democracy has been surving and will survive for sure....
usa , india as good examples
people wanna live in a free world and thats possible only in a democracy

Answer 8

can and still hapeening

its not works in comunism society

Answer 9

huh,fat chance while the politicians are in charge!