Practical Social Democracy develops a novel approach to reformist politics that is centred on the practical challenges parties face in navigating competing priorities across key dimensions of their activities. Containing comparative chapters and case studies of a range of countries and thematic areas by world-leading experts, it demonstrates how this approach can enrich debates about the contemporary challenges of social democracy as well as its historical evolution. The volume sheds light on patterns of social democratic policy-making and on the role of language, rhetoric, and ideology. By focusing on social democracy as one of the most important party families, the contributors elucidate key dilemmas confronting any political party and their role in democratic politics both in the traditional heartland of social democracy in Western Europe and beyond. An essential resource for scholars and students of social democracy, party politics, and European politics and political development.

‘As there is no way back for Social Democracy to its 20th century heydays, this book asks what concrete, practical social democratic reformism implies in the 21st century. Practical Social Democracy is a fantastic, much-needed addition to current research on the future of social democratic parties, which remains too often focused on electoral performance. Uniting contributions from a stellar team of leading experts, the book takes the historical and current political challenges and constraints social democratic parties confront seriously and studies social democratic reform politics and policies across European countries. It is essential reading for anyone eager to move towards a constructive focus on the potential and practice of social democratic ideas in our times.'

Silja Häusermann - Professor of Political Science, University of Zurich, Switzerland

‘Social democratic parties claim to craft policies for the collective good and reconcile economic growth and social solidarity, yet citizens who potentially benefit most from these policies often turn rightward. Practical Social Democracy offers powerful insights into the promise of social democratic politics, the reasons why parties on the left sometimes stumble, and the ways that activists may realize their ambitions in the real world. This fascinating collection of essays by leading scholars is a must read for those who seek enlightened political solutions in these dark and chaotic times.'

Cathie Jo Martin - Professor Emerita, Boston University

‘Practical Social Democracy is an important volume challenging the dominant perspective of social democracy as a well-defined, policy-dictating ideology. By recognizing social democratic parties as strategic actors facing organizational, electoral and governmental trade-offs like other parties, the authors provide an insightful framework for understanding the often puzzling policy decisions these ‘ideological' parties make.'

Bonnie M. Meguid - Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Rochester