Erik Olin Wright was an influential American sociologist known for his extensive work on social class and his efforts to envision a better world beyond capitalism. His concept of “real utopias” captures the imagination of those who believe that another kind of society is not only possible but practical. Wright dedicated much of his career to exploring alternatives to the injustices of capitalism, focusing on ways that could bridge the gap between idealism and practical social change.
“Real utopias” might sound like a contradiction at first—utopias are often thought of as unreachable dreams. However, Wright believed in finding real-world, actionable ways to make society more egalitarian, democratic, and sustainable. His work involved systematically exploring institutions that exist today or that could realistically be developed to bring about a more just and humane society. This included co-ops, participatory budgeting, and other innovative models of community organization and governance. These examples offered glimpses of how elements of a utopian society could take root in our present context.
One of the key components of Wright’s approach was his emphasis on “emancipatory social science.” He argued that social science should not only analyze and critique the world as it is but also actively engage in exploring and building alternatives. Real utopias were central to this vision, as they represented a bridge between the criticism of existing systems and the creation of new, liberating structures. Wright sought to identify and study institutions that embodied principles of equity, democracy, and sustainability, and to understand how they could be expanded or replicated on a larger scale.
Examples of real utopias include worker cooperatives, which offer a democratic alternative to traditional capitalist firms by giving workers ownership and decision-making power. Another example is participatory budgeting, a process in which citizens have direct control over how public funds are allocated, thereby deepening democratic engagement and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Wright also highlighted universal basic income (UBI) as a potential real utopia—a policy that could provide economic security for all individuals, reduce inequality, and empower people to pursue meaningful work rather than being forced into precarious employment.
Wright’s vision was grounded in pragmatism. Instead of focusing solely on what’s wrong with the current system, he asked: What can we build today that helps us move toward something better? Real utopias are not fantasies—they’re practical experiments that seek to reshape the world we live in, piece by piece. His work invites us to actively imagine and create a future that balances ideals with achievable progress, offering hope for transformative change in an often cynical world.
Wright also acknowledged the challenges and contradictions inherent in trying to build real utopias within a capitalist society. He understood that these experiments often face significant obstacles, such as limited resources, political resistance, and the pressure to conform to market logics. However, he believed that even small-scale initiatives could have a transformative impact by demonstrating that alternative ways of organizing society are possible. These initiatives can serve as laboratories for social innovation, providing lessons and inspiration for broader systemic change.
Ultimately, Erik Olin Wright’s idea of real utopias challenges us to think beyond the limitations of the present and to actively work toward a better future. It is a call to combine visionary thinking with practical action, to build institutions that embody our highest values, and to create a society that is more just, democratic, and sustainable. Real utopias offer a path forward—a way to bridge the gap between the world as it is and the world as it could be.