To develop an accessible political strategy, there are two components which must be considered when planning out your strategy: (1) the practical and (2) the strategic. This section is centered around the work of Maxine Molyneux, specifically her article, “Mobilization without Emancipation? Women's Interests, the State, and Revolution in Nicaragua,” which gives an analysis to the socialist revolution in Nicaragua and its success. As she describes, a major aspect of the revolution’s success lay within their ability to understand the importance of appealing to the practical interests of the people. During the revolution, the Sandinistas recognised that it was not enough to appeal to the people of Nicaragua with the goal of seizing the means of production. Many of those in Nicaragua suffered from other forms of social inequality, most notably gender inequality. And while returning the means of production to the people would be a wide interest which would appeal to the economic needs of many, it is important to recognize that economic equality is a strategic interest which only impacts those who recognize it as their primary struggle. (1985)
Some people may not see the need for returning the means of production to the people; they may be more interested in other practical interests, or may even perceive it as a threat to their practical interests if such a goal is achieved. As Molyneux explained in her article, there is a trend in people to perceive themselves as in a higher economic group than they truly are. Therefore, appealing to people with such blanket interests will only alienate masses. Therefore, it is much more important to appeal to the specific needs of people rather than a wider desire or goal.
Understanding this, we should reach out to the American people with more than just the goal of returning the means of production to them. We must address their needs and inequalities as issues separate from the economic inequality that we aim to solve. Through ignoring racial or gender inequality as smaller issues which would be solved through socialist reform, we will only sow more division in the people and make reform less reasonable for those we seek to help.