Practical Anarchism: A Guide for Daily Life

by Shuli Branson

You may not realise it, but you are probably already practicing anarchism in your daily life. From relationships to school, work, art, even the way you organise your time, anarchism can help you find fulfilment, empathy and liberation in the everyday. From the small questions such as 'Why should I steal?' to the big ones like 'how do I love?', Scott Branson shows that anarchism isn’t only something we do when we react to the news, protest or even riot. With practical examples enriched by history and theory, these tips will empower you to break free from the consumerist trappings of our world. Anarchism is not just for white men, but for everyone. In reading this book, you can detach from patriarchal masculinity, norms of family, gender, sexuality, racialisation, individual responsibility and the destruction of our planet, and replace them with ideas of sustainable living, with ties of mutual aid, and the horizon of collective liberation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Social Justice, Philosophy, Society, Anarchism, Adult

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 20, 2022

Reviews

[Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to Pluto Press for a review copy of the book via Edelweiss.

From my previous (though very limited) experience with reading and looking at the Pluto Press catalogue, I have found titles which push one’s understanding of the themes discussed much beyond popular perceptions. And Practical Anarchism (2022) by Scott Branson is another such which certainly got me rethinking how I understood ‘anarchy’ and its practice. Branson is a queer and trans writer, teacher and anarchist organizer, among other things, based in North Carolina.

While anarchism is no doubt a term of political ideology, the sense in which Branson explores it in the volume is more as a way of living, one that questions the accepted structures of power, hierarchy, domination and control on which current day society is based. (And not as it were the typical characters dressed in black resorting to violence and aiming at overthrow). And what the book proposes is ways in which one can question and break away from these structures within the existing frames in which we (are compelled) to live, thus creating a better world amidst prevalent structures of racism, capitalism, environmental disaster, patriarchy, and so on. In contrast to the direct confrontations that might involve violence, the practice of anarchism could be as innocuous as communal meals or the sharing of resources.

Beginning his inquiry with Ursula Le Guin and The Dispossessed (a book which he returns to several times), in an introduction and seven core chapters, the book explores how this practice can be given effect to in different areas of life, from personal relationships to work, education, money, art, services, daily living, and notions of time. For instance, allowing space in relationships rather than replicating structures of hierarchy (a child for instance not being ‘chided’ for one’s own convenience, and only when it is really called for—being given the room to grow), recognising the current systems of work as an extension of systems of slavery and indenture; education too as replicating these structures, and likewise, art, literature, or entertainment in their realistic strains, portraying what is, having the impact of reinforcing the same structures. Alternative approaches to study, learning to bring care and support into the equation, realising that we don’t have to be as dependent on the state (which fails us much of the time), and finding the multiple representations that art is capable of having are some ways we can challenge these. Branson’s inputs come, from among others, queer and black feminist lines of thought as also indigenous experience.   

This was an interesting read and while I may have found some of the ideas perhaps too idealistic or utopian (for instance, it may be that the Hobbesean view of the state of nature as nasty, brutish, short, solitary etc is only one side of the picture, expecting all to also want the structures of care, concern and mutual help might not be workable either), the book did raise many fascinating ideas and issues which I could relate to as well (for example, the denial of ‘value’ to non-human lives–something that should be emphasized more, or increasingly negative atmospheres in workplaces). Again, as concerns education, while like he suggests I would (and have in my limited experience) give recommendations to whoever was helped by it, I wouldn’t give everyone As (those who take an interest and put in effort, yes; those who don’t, no). Larger communities of care similarly are doubtless a wonderful thing to have, but some stability (as a carer-cared for relationship is something that builds an actual and deep bond) also has value. 

Although all the ideas explored in the book may not have appealed to me, many did, and what I  liked most was how the book encourages one to be aware of the frames of power, hierarchy and control that we live within (visible or hidden) and how different aspects of life (the state, economy, education, art etc) simply replicate and reinforce these; and to question these systems in our daily functioning. Bringing in elements of care, cooperation and community into everyday relationships and interactions can make meaningful dents in these structures, and at least make a start to exploring alternative ways of doing things.

3.75 stars rounded up

[Maia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up after listening to the author's excellent interview on Gender Reveal. I'd never read an explanation of anarchy before and found this one accessible, intersectional, and rich with references to follow up on. Branson's basic argument is for recognizing that the state exists only to perpetuate its own power, and aids citizens only incidentally and when doing so doesn't conflict with maintaining control. In light of this, citizens should seek to gain as much freedom in daily life as they can by supporting community and mutual aid, by refusing hustle culture and separating self-worth from productivity, by spending as much time as they can on things that bring pleasure, joy, peace, and stealing from corporate workplaces among other things. Many sections of this book I found myself simply agreeing with, while other chapters (especially the sections on Work and Art) really challenged a lot of my internalized beliefs. I'm very glad I read this and imagine I will return to it in the future, especially when I'm able to read more on this topic.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an accessible, thoughtful, quick introduction to anarchism in daily practice. It calls to mind similar works like Two Cheers for Anarchism. It draws on a variety of anarchist, socialist, Black radical, and queer perspectives to forward a vision of a less violent, nonhierarchical society. While I admit that I found it less concrete and convincing than Scott’s work on the subject, and feel more optimistic about the role of a democratized coordinating state of some kind, I still think this is worth a read and makes a great gift for friends, family, and comrades looking for resources on this topic.

[Han Reardon-Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most personally affirming book I’ve read this year, got me recommitting to life-making against the grain in the interstices ❤️‍🔥

[Luke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a really nice, comforting read. A good reminder that I should be upset about the things I’m upset about, but also there are moments in my daily life that I can explore that don’t have to be like that. The only negative thing I will say is some of the advice/pieces were much more realistic than others, and the seemingly contradictory oscillation between individual choices are important and we can’t moralize individual (monetary) choices.
Otherwise there was some great stuff in here!

[Melda Ece Kelemcisoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deserves a solid 5 stars. I devoured this book. Clever & inspiring rethinking of anarchism and it’s relevance to our relationships, education and work. A powerful guide to imagining a world without naturalised hierarchy, exploitation and capitalism. This brilliant book has been an antidote to my pessimism.

[Jessica Ranard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical Anarchism has become an all-time favorite. I heard Scott Branson speak at a queer anarchist conference, except that I didn’t know it was Scott Branson, and I was sitting on the ground thinking “this person, I could listen to this person forever.” They were rambling in a way that kept me alive at every step of the way. The way they love anarchism. The way it shapes their everyday life. The main argument of Practical Anarchism is that, for many of us, we are already practicing anarchism, we just wouldn’t call it that. And if we keep on waiting for one main protest to call ourselves an anarchist, or if we read THAT ONE ANARCHIST book before we call ourselves anarchists, then we are giving room to the idea that to be an anarchist you need to have “x” info, instead of committing your life so that people have independence, freedom, autonomy in their fullest capacity. Scott Branson frames this for us: we should be stealing! We need to disalign ourselves from the myth that we are our jobs! We don’t need to give up every single material good in order for other people to have their needs met! Art should not be for the elite! There is value in personal boundaries while challenging nation state borders! I love a book that opens everything for me. And Practical Anarchism did that – I truly adored reading it. When I read it, people kept on noticing how often I said things like “holy shit” or “huh” or just a very loud & clear “mmmmm.”

[Alberto · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been particularly difficult to finish this one. Mostly because, throughout this year, I've allowed my reading habits to almost completely disappear, but also because the reading and understanding of anarchist texts generally force us to confront many uncomfortable truths which we mostly, of course, prefer to ignore.

This text in particular (though not exclusively) forced me to ask myself: If not waiting for a global Revolution to take place, what can I do?

And even though I must say I didn't love the answer (or more specifically, the lack of a step-by-step guide towards liberation, which would have been nice, however contradictory) I did enjoy the display of hope that this exploration represents, as well as the reinforcement of anarchist styles of reasoning and behaviors which can sometimes (or most of the time?) be difficult to maintain.

A necessary read for those who are looking for a general landscape of how anarchist-every-day modes of living and resisting look like, and for those in danger of desperation and/or cynicism.

May we, not one day, but now, look at the sun only to see in it a reflection of our unyielding generosity.

[Brandon B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book that introduces so many ideas on how to change our perspective on our current society into one that could be better for all. Also gives plentiful sources to look more into specific perspectives and issues mentioned within.

[Sophie Abromowitz · Rating 3 out of 5]

everyone in my apartment going crazy when times square red times square blue gets invoked

[Owen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had some interesting ideas, but it was a real slog to read. The tone was too strident, the prose was badly written and hard to follow at times, and the editing was seemingly nonexistent -- there were many grammatical and typographic errors.

[Barry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard to interpret this book to be honest, because I read the reviews and it sounded right up my street, but I am not sure how 'practical' this book is. Indeed, I found it theory heavy, meandering at times, making very broad assumptions that will be familiar to anarchists and an anarchist interpretation of the world, but at the same time not particularly practical.

That said, there is little to disagree with in here, and whilst this may be a case of preaching to the converted I did find the author's views align very close to mine throughout and the book contributes to the thinking of how we live our lives today.

The book posits that we shouldn't wait for a revolution, that it isn't coming (and in any case the mass deaths of insurrection may not be the giggle folk think it is). The book is an important challenge to the often macho (and white) perspective of revolution fantasies. Rather the author suggests that we should create anarchy in our daily lives, and importantly suggests that we are already doing it in many ways. I LOVE this perspective. There is often a perception about being 'more anarchist than you', and in my direct action days there was often an informal hero worship of those who'd done time, who'd done more, who was involved in what. What was absent was how we care and look out for each other.

I am a firm believer that we need to create non-hierarchical systems independent of existing systems of control. We can't exactly destroy existing systems, but we can through practice replace them (I know it's easier said than done) and design the lives we want. My dream is for the state and hierarchy to wither away as it's no longer useful or effective in what it does. Every day anarchy helps here.

The author introduces a concept of disidentification which I appreciate. The concept suggests we can stop thinking about what a career looks like, what our relationships look like, how we think about education, art, money and so on. We are asked to really think about what the purposes of these structures and hierarchies really are and what they do for us. Some of this is more challenging than other sections but I like the theory.

So, for example - we think of romantic and child rearing relationships as having a degree of permanence, especially when we think about marriage. And yet we know relationships are not permanent. They change, they grow, we fuck up or just aren't right for each other. The book asks us to think that instead of saying 'yes' we say 'no'. We recognise that we have power to give as much as we want to a relationship for as long as we want and if it's not right we leave it. It feels counter-intuitive, but it actually reflects reality, and recognising I have power to leave my relationships tomorrow actually makes them stronger. Because I value, and appreciate what I give and what I get in return without the mental models and constraints 'till death do us part' demands of us.

As a people pleaser, and a person who likes helping and likes saying 'yes', I struggled with the concept of 'no', but I really get it. When I have power to say 'no' it makes the things I want to say 'yes' to more valuable.

The book draws on queer, feminist and black liberation theory throughout. I enjoyed the exploration of disability 'spoon' theory about what we have capacity to do, and when that is done, it's done. I also liked the exploration of 'care', and really what our value is, is in how we care for others and they care for us. The author also taps into something I knew well when I was homeless - that the same pound goes round a lot. How poor communities find ways to help each other, often when they have the least. It really is true - the more you have, the more protective we are of our hoards, and a reluctance to spend or to share grows. I loved the observation that money is just a way of getting things we need or want and if we have it we should spend or share it.

This is well worth a read for anyone interested in anarchism specifically, how we can live in non-hierarchical ways and serves as a good introduction to complementary theory which may be helpful.

[Rob Sheppard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected a book called Practical Anarchism: A Guide for Daily Life to be focused on things that we can do at the individual level that align with anarchist ideals. I feel like Branson set out to write that book but then got really lost along the way in the usual anarchist spiel about what’s wrong with society and the state. The vast majority of this book is focused on what is wrong with the world, and every few pages they remember to say “oh yeah, and when you’re not working? That’s anarchism. When we had that pandemic? That was anarchism. You’re already doing anarchism when you’re sleeping. Good job.” Then it’s 5 more pages of inflammatory screed. When Branson does give advice, it’s honestly really questionable advice.

Branson was describing ideas that I generally agree with, but not expressing them in a way that I found to be at all helpful or compelling. They struggle to avoid broad generalizations, unsupported assertions, and totalizing statements. In many cases I agree with those generalizations and assertions, but it’s tough not to clock these as hallmarks of sloppy argumentation. When you strip away all the standard anarchist stuff and some good quotations from other scholars, what’s left is like a haphazardly organized set of self-helpy deep thoughts, many of which I find really questionable, that come from the writer’s own life and speculation, and much of Branson’s life and speculation does not comport with my experience or understanding of the world.

One strong aspect of Branson’s writing is the recurrent theme that what anarchism is doing is directly addressing and embracing the complexity and messiness of life, rather than trying to shoehorn life into pat, normative narratives. This to me is a sufficient argument for anarchism that doesn’t introduce any dubious assertions about a murderously anthropomorphized state.

I come to anarchism with a lot of enthusiasm for the care-based and flexible practices associated with it, but also with some skepticism toward the more extreme rhetoric that a lot of anarchist writing employs. I am all for organizing and helping one another outside of state intervention, but I’d rather not be told three times per page “The state wants to murder you in the face.” To me, the former is valuable regardless of the truth or extremity of the latter. When I hear the latter, I really just want the writer to dial it back a little and make the non-hysterical, non-hyperbolic form of their argument.

If you came to this book because you think anarchism has some good ideas, then you will of course find some good ideas in this book. But this is the weakest of the anarchist books I’ve picked up lately, and it really doesn’t do what its title says it will. If you haven’t read much anarchist writing, maybe you won’t find this tiresome and tedious, but I picked up a book with “Practical” on the cover specifically in hopes of avoiding this kind of rhetoric and just focusing on what things can look like in practice. If anyone else is in the same boat, the closest book I’ve found to what I’m looking for is Mutual Aid by Dean Spade; not perfect, but really accessible and practical, and much more readable.

[Incunabula_and_intercourse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite the title, don't come in expecting any solid practical advice; this book really is more for progressive liberals who need a quick foot in the door on introductory leftist ideas, which is awesome, and I do think the progressives in my life and here on SG should check this out! However, I am not a progressive—I an an anarcho-friendly socialist. And from that perspective, I felt pretty underwhelmed.

A good 70% of this book is just philosophical and political waffling, followed by 20% quotes and maybe 10% vague advice. Most it could cough up was "don't be a narc" and "it's okay to steal" and "hey look at these cool alternatives to the systems we have, I'm not gonna go into detail though." For a book that touts itself in the intro as being accessible, it really doesn't give you anything concrete, which is immensely frustrating as a leftist reader!
I already know the police are useless; why don't you give me some advice on what to do during conflict or a violent situation? Because the closest we get is just "confront interpersonal issues head-on," but without, you know... a practical guide on what that may look like.

The best thing this book does is give you a nice, long list of further reading, which I will definitely be hitting up. Hopefully it'll have more practical information. It's also a decent "baby's first anarchism" primer if you're a progressive on the fence about anarchism or leftism and aren't yet ready to commit to Kropotkin. This text has its merits! But it's not what the title suggests at all, and quite frankly, even though it's 170 pages long, it still could have been way shorter.

(Though maybe calling itself Practical Anarchism while containing very little practical advice is a form of definitional anarchy, in a sense. You're not, like, owed coherence, man.)

Anyways, in the grand collectivist spirit, let me leave you some actual practical advice: air-drying your clothes is usually just as effective as tumble-drying, and you can make laundry detergent for cheap with 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate, NOT baking soda), 1 cup borax, 1 grated bar of soap (I like Dr. Bronner's lavender-scented soap, but you can use almost anything), and optionally a few drops of essential oil if you want a nice scent and your soap doesn't have it. Use 2-4 Tb per load, use the extra washing soda as a laundry pre-soak for heavily stained items, and literally never spend money on laundry detergent ever again.

[Tom Booker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book looks at different domains of life and how hierarchy and oppressions are present in all of them (education, work, etc) and what the individual can do to break down these hierarchies and power structures that aren't working for them. Recurrent strategies are disassociation and others from the queer and feminist literature.

This book is radical in the sense that it will challenge your ways of thinking, for example, by questioning the desire and usefulness of (perceived) permanence, in particular regarding relationships and institutions. Some of the takes are 'hot', for example the morality of stealing is still not entirely convincing to me, even if from a big corporation, and arguing for frivolous spending because you're poor so you might as well 'enjoy your life' does not seem sensible to me at all.

The author believes that care should be at the core of life and is the means and ends of anarchy. The book is most convincing in arguing that anarchism is not an event in time, but a practice for the Now. So any acts of anarchy echo out through non-linear time.

Overall, easy read and confrontational ideas.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent modern book on anarchism that is mainly written from an American perspective (although many of the ideals could be universal). Scott Branson is a trans person and the idea of anarchism as it applies to sexual identity and sexual politics was interesting to me, and I am very empathetic to those ideals. As someone who has lived all of his adult life as mostly a liberal socialist with anarchist leanings (in ideals anyway...I still VOTE pragmatically for the "lesser of two evils", at least until we have viable better options in the U.S.) I found this book to be a refreshing modern take on how to live your life via anarchist ideals. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with the same leanings. It was a quick read, and a lot of the ideas presented in this book will stick with me.

[RMD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical anarchism is the introduction to anarchism I needed - accessible, simple concepts united by a belief in a better world by dismantling hierarchies of oppression.

No need for long wordy theoretical texts, anarchism is just a new word for daily and long-term struggles.
The book gives a few reflections per topic: relationships, work, school, art, time and so on. Plus additional reading for each.

While super conscious of the inevitable collapse of modern society and the pain it brings, it nonetheless instills hope in the daily life that will exist regardless in its own beauty.

Probably still a bit too wordy for school, and arguably the word anarchism will put off many, but it's going to sit on my shelf as a reference for years to come.

[Simon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars?
I think Shuli did a great job creating an entry-level book on anarchism that gathers important points from other texts and addresses some frequently asked questions. However, I think it could have been a little more concrete at times. I found myself wanting a bit more information/analysis before the chapters ended. I was underlining sentences frequently, though, and do think this is an accessible and informative read, especially for those kind of new to anarchism and anarchist texts. And, the end provides a list for further reading, which should make up for the times where I was wanting more.

[Meg]

DNF at page 120. Not really all that "practical" and truly in need of some editing. The section on education, which was mostly about how school is bad with no real suggestions for how to meaningfully share knowledge with young people, was the final straw. Biggest issue for me is that the author acknowledges that each of these topics is truly a book in its own right, but then attempts to summarize them all in failed essays anyway. If you're looking for books on relationships, education, youth liberation and anti-work, there are many better options.

[Allan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars
This is not a guide. Like, at all. It's more of an essay collection about how anarchism is when you steal paperclips at work sometimes. If you do end up reading this, be prepared for senseless communist-bashing (referring to marxists as too theory-focused while referencing a different book every other page; red-scare-esque evil authoritarian communists talk), an author who writes like they're the most anarchist anarchist to ever anarchist and a painfully individualistic, hippie-style approach to collective liberation. Not worth my time.

[Joanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very accessible and inspiring book. Definitely thought-provoking and it makes me want to read more about anarchism. I think it's a great introduction to the topic, but I did often wish it would go deeper than it did. I was also hoping for more concrete actions, but, knowing more than I did about anarchism now, I see why it didn't. Would definitely recommend to anyone curious about anarchism!

[Chantelle Boduel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is not “practical”. It’s all theory, somewhat convoluted, and asks questions it doesn’t answer them. It also makes big, unsubstantiated claims about the world. I’m new to anarchy and really wanted an introduction I could dig into and start thinking about. This book feels like a “preaching to the choir” type of book for people who already agree with the author and understand the nuances.

[Cos · Rating 4 out of 5]

Affirming and relatable. I love how anarchy is presented as something that you "do", as embodied resistance. I especially appreciated the sections on loving people without "ownership" and art as experiment and play

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anarchist calisthenics isn’t a new concept, but what I really like about this particular book is it’s inclusive and contemporary, meaning you’ll be introduced to diverse theories from current POC and queer authors/scholars.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that creatively and uniquely lays out components of anarchist ideology and praxis in pretty accessibly ways . Definitely recommend !

[Duckie · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice

[Katie Greaves · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first book I have read on practical anarchism and also the most boring.

[Bien · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contains interesting ideas.

[Sofia Dugnaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

retorikken var fangende men var lack på bevis/argument og sånt, ikke helt overbevist; veldig interessant da! love radical stuff