In this collection, contributors discuss a central theme which is both theoretical and practical - the role of the state in achieving social justice in modern market systems from a socialist perspective.

...the key categories of citizenship, public ownership, community, individualism are given systematic philosophic investigation and provide a fine filter to the burgeoning literature on New Labour, centre-left, left-of-centre and renewed old labour. Geoffrey Wood, Parliamentary AffairsPolitical Studies"This collection of "new Fabian essays" is particularly to be welcomed ... Despite the (now obligatory?) reference to the novelty of the essays assembled here, there is something reassuringly Fabian, dare one suggest reassuringly old, about this collection."Times Literary supplement, 20/9/96"One consequence of the crisis of belief has been a willingness by socialists to re-examine and, in some cases, rethink the nature of their fundamental commitments and values. Socialism and the Common Good is an interesting and stimulating example of this literature.