Calling for people power within the framework of a well-informed and responsible society, Corfe pinpoints the faults of socialism in the past. He identifies the basic values of socialism as these may be incorporated and accepted within the individualistic and consumerist society of today.

Here, Corfe writes about the missing "gene" of socialism - its antipathy to business - and the attitudes which are needed to build a pro-business ethos within a socialist value system. The complexity of contemporary capitalism is then dissected. The traditional stance of the left that all forms of capitalism are synonymous and should therefore be equally opposed is shown to prevent an understanding of economic reality. When contemporary capitalism is examined closely as a living force it is found to have both benign and malign characteristics. From such a study, Corfe constructs a self-regulating capitalism, monitored under a dirigiste authority which disseminates wealth and power in benefiting majority populations everywhere and may be identified with the original aims of socialist thinking. Whilst the book shows that old-style class war would undermine the foundations of new socialism in repulsing the majority, its central concern is the extension of people power into all spheres of life and work.

Part I Socialism in an age of change: how internationalism serves the self-interest of peoples
the crisis of socialism in a changing world
why representative democracy is reliant on constructive political philosophy
the dichotomy between intention and actuality in the realm of "realpolitik"
the missing "gene" of socialism
how values may advance or hinder societies
new values emerge in the wake of social change
the work environment and the wider world
people power in transforming the economy
autonomy and the limits of democratic power. Part II Socializing productive capitalism: Labour's lost majority
the dilemma of class struggle
social and unsocial wealth creation
protest for prosperity
increasing Labour's support. Part III Establishing socialist business values: introduction - accountancy, its ultimate function
Britain's toughest competition - an opposing economic system
when money creation hinders productive profitability
irreconcilable economies within the industrial world
Rentier versus productive profits - a new criteria for financial management
building structures for prosperity
how the industrial associations are failing British industry
making the financial markets work for home-base industry. Part IV Action for prosperity: the invisible shift in industrial relationships
the changing priorities of working people
workers and bosses against de-industrialization
new battle lines for social progress
the struggle against Rentier capitalism
regenerating the spirit of trades unionism
promoting advanced industrial action
strategy for the industrial occupation
the industrial efficiency tribunal
the new international struggle. Part V The human priorities of politics: expediency versus justice
the self-justifying cynicism of vested interests
political realism in the just society
maximizing the individual's potential in the free society
the moral bankruptcy of our financial system
social prosperity only achievable through autonomy
the true foundations for disinterested politics
the underlying grounds of conflict in the contemporary world
the meaning of new socialism
freedom within the integrated community. Part VI Conclusions: the responsible society. Appendices: a terminology for new socialism
the UK's imbalance of payments
job losses in the productive sector
the growth of corporate bankruptcy
Britain's dependence on the productive sector
the cash-starvation of UK-based industry.