Social reformism preceding shift in attitudes?

[jondwhite]

Given that we do not propose reformist measures for economics, what can be said of social reformist measures led by the state but precede a genuine shift in attitudes toward drink-driving, smoking-in-pubs, domestic violence etc. Are they likely to be repealed when it suits the state to divide the class again?

[alanjjohnstone]

"Led by the State?" and did they "precede" a genuine shift in attitudesNot always the case is it.  Anti-smoking legislation was the result of decades of campaigning by health professionals. Womens groups were in the forefront of highlighting and demanding legal protection for wives and other women. Health and safety regulations the result of lobbying by trade unions and again health professionals.Environmental laws are another area that appear to be State originated within the government departments but arise from researchers and scientists. Its not so much they are repealed when its suits them, its more they are forgotten, the inspectors re-assigned.Certainly in regards to workers health and safety, there is a general move by employers to relax the enforcement of them on grounds of "red tape" holding back the "recovery".Others are seen by the capitalists as social benefits passed in the past such as public health sanitation and food safety laws. The advantage to the ruling class as a whole takes precedence over the disadvantage of one section. Its why the rich always argue about where government spending should go to.I understand what you are saying. We have laws about racial language. In Scotland, traditional football songs have been banned for their religious inflamatory lyrics. Not supported by the bigoted fans who insist their freedom of speech is being infringed, as do the EDL in regards to their anti-Islam protests, but it's accepted as reasonable proscriptions on public behaviour by the majority and the State accused of becoming the Nanny State.

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