Social Reconstruction (1920)

Social Reconstruction is a book written by John Augustine Ryan and originally published in 1920. The book is a comprehensive analysis and proposal for the reconstruction of society in the aftermath of World War I. Ryan argues that the war had revealed the deep flaws in the capitalist system and that a new social order was needed to address these problems.The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of the social and economic conditions that led to the war and the need for reconstruction. The second part focuses on the principles and objectives of social reconstruction, including the need for social justice, economic democracy, and the common good. The third part proposes specific policies and programs for achieving these objectives, including the nationalization of key industries, the establishment of a minimum wage, and the creation of a national system of social insurance.Throughout the book, Ryan draws on Catholic social teaching and the principles of distributism, a social and economic philosophy that emphasizes the importance of widespread ownership of property and the decentralization of economic power. He also critiques the individualism and materialism of capitalist society and argues that a more cooperative and communal approach is needed to build a just and sustainable society.Social Reconstruction was widely read and influential in its time, and it continues to be studied by scholars of social and economic history. The book provides a valuable insight into the debates and discussions surrounding social and economic policy in the early 20th century and remains a relevant and thought-provoking work today.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world’s literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.