Socialist Cafe Discussion - Bristol Workers Liberty
Thu 23rd Oct 2025 - 7.30-9pm
✊ Why the Working Class Can Change The World
The working-class are central to the goal of socialism but this role has become more difficult for people to see. As the cost of living crisis has entrenched itself, wages stagnated, nationalism and far-right activity on the upsurge, and continued attacks on women, migrants, trans people and other marginalised groups in society.
Why do socialists see a specific role for the working-class in bringing about socialism and bringing about progressive social change?
As Hal Draper argued in his essay “Why the Working Class” - “Socialists do not ‘idealize’ workers in any sense whatsoever. Taking them man for man, as individuals, there is no reason to argue whether workers are ‘better’ human beings than others because they are workers.” The working class is the social force that can bring about socialism and progressive change both because of the potential power it can yield and because, with enough consciousness, education, organisation and willingness it has the potential to act in those interests.
History has seen the working-class (or at least sections of it) vote against its own interests, support racist laws and policies, oppose gender equality and more. On the other hand many of the most progressive fights - a shorter working day, gender equality, LGBT+ rights, anti-racism, support for migrant rights - have found their biggest champions in working class agitation and organisation.
Why these differences? What is the role of socialists and socialist organisations to the working-class both today and historically?
Join Bristol Workers’ Liberty to discuss these questions. These meetings are open to all. Discussion and disagreement encouraged.
📍 Watershed Cafe (1 Canon's Road, Bristol, BS1 5TX)
