Jim Stanford in his book "Paper Boom" discusses this issue at great length including a lot of empirical data demonstrating the superior economic and 'political' position of large firms vs small business. Small business tends to gravitate to a demagogic, right-wing populist position, often tinged with racisim because of competition from immigrants who 'self-exploit' in easy to enter sectors such as ethnic restaurants, mom-and-pop stores, truck farming and personal services.
Paul Phillips
Doug Henwood wrote:
Julio Huato wrote:
Why would concentration be more propitious for progressive politics?
I can think of several reasons. Less competition means less pressure on wages (though this would be partly offset by higher prices in noncompetitive markets). Large firms are easier to organize, regulate, and supervise. The big bourgeoisie is often more socially tolerant than their smaller comrades. Small business in general is often a font of reactionary social attitudes - in the U.S., they're much more anti-regulation, anti-union, anti-green, and are more likely to support the right wing of the Rep party.
<snip> Doug
