>But the system as described does not require everyone be adept at every skill. We have specialization, just as now. It is just that each specialization include both coordinator tasks and (to the extent they exist) rote tasks.
Then a "Techno-managerial Class" would continue to exist in a 'Participatory Economy'. Composed of those specialists who's job it is to determine what is a sufficient "work effort or sacrifice", or who is "able to work".
The system as described implies some kind of licensing system, not only for exemption from work, but also for all specialised areas of employment. Somehow it must be determined whether Steven King's novel writing activities constitute a sufficient "work effort or sacrifice", or is merely recreational in nature. Same goes for the butcher and the baker and the candlestick maker for that matter. Stephen King would be popular enough to pass muster no doubt, but he might be the last of his kind if budding authors, painters, sculptors,singers etc cannot convince the artists licensing committee that they should be permitted to continue drawing rations while they try to gain a following.
I have a lot of questions. I suspect any answers will only serve to raise more questions.
Essentially, it seems to me that this notion of a "Techno-managerial Class" is fundamentally flawed though. So the first question is whether a satisfactory definition can be offered to support the notion that it even exists. Even if that hurdle can be overcome, my suspicion is that the parecon proposal doesn't deal with the issue. The solution is not, it seems to me, to share the coercive power more equitably, but devise a social structure that has no coercive mechanisms.
The Parecon proposal essentially argues that a coercive social structure is necessary. The gist of it is that Albert proposes replacing the economic coercion of capitalist society with democratic, participatory, political coercion. My instinct is that this harks back to an earlier social system, it is regressive instead of progressive.
But we shall see.
Bill Bartlett Bracknell Tas