Social Democracy Now: Why communitarianism provides the roadmap the left needs today

Social Democracy Now
By Ed Wallis
Published 22 April 2025
Topics History , Inequality , Devolution

Communitarianism has long been part of the Fabian story, most notably developed by G.D.H. Cole and R.H. Tawney. But until now, it has been a subplot — overshadowed by the big-state, democratic collectivism associated with the Webbs.

As the social, economic, and environmental contours of the world shift, Ed Wallis argues that Labour needs communitarianism more than ever. Its focus on the equality of power providing social democrats a toolkit to help support communities to live together in the way they choose.

In this reappraisal of communitarian thinking, Wallis advocates for a more participatory form of democracy, backed by a policy platform and guiding philosophy designed to secure electoral success and build a society rooted in shared values.

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Ed Wallis

Ed Wallis is director of policy and engagement at Locality, the national membership organisation for local community organisations. He was previously editorial director and senior research fellow at the Fabian Society, and was a speechwriter for Ed Miliband during the 2015 general election.

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