G,M,PM: Marxist theories of postmodernity

Question 1

Though some Marxists agree with postmodernists that society has reached postmodernity, how do they view it?

Answer 1

• they see it merely the product of the most recent stage of capitalism

Question 2

In which period do Marxists view postmodernity as arising from a capitalist crisis?

Answer 2

1970s

Question 3

Due to the capitalist crisis of the 1970s, what new way of achieving profitability arose as defined by Harvey?

Answer 3

• ‘flexible accumulation’ or post-Fordism

Question 4

List some features of flexible accumulation

Answer 4

• use of IT
• job insecurity
• need for workers to be ‘flexible’ to fit employers’ needs
• permits production of customised products for ‘niche markets’

Question 5

How has flexible accumulation brought about many cultural characteristics of postmodernity eg. diversity, culture and instability?

Answer 5

• cultural diversity achieved through the production of customised products for niche markets
• constant shifts in fashion due to easy switching of production

Question 6

Due to the changes in consumption that flexible accumulation brought about, why does Jameson argue that postmodernity represents a more developed form of capitalism? (Give some examples)

Answer 6

• it commodifies virtually all aspects of life

- eg. fashion, music, sports and computer games all became important sources of profit

Question 7

What other feature of postmodernity does Harvey argue that this more developed form of capitalism develops?

Answer 7

• the compression of time and space

- eg. commodification of holidays, new information and communications technologies

Question 8

What kind of political changes do Harvey and Jameson argue that flexible accumulation has brought about?

Answer 8

• weakened the working-class and socialist movements

Question 9

What kind of social movements have risen in place of working class and socialist movements?

Answer 9

• environmentalism

- anti-racism

Question 10

In what way are Harvey and Jameson hopeful about these new social movements?

Answer 10

• hope they can form a ‘rainbow alliance’ to bring about change

Question 11

What are two notable ways that Marxists differ from postmodernists?

Answer 11

• they retain faith in Marxist theory for explaining things

- they argue that the goal of the Enlightenment project can be achieved

Question 12

How could Marxist theory of postmodernity appear to abandon the possibility of working class leading a revolution to achieve the Enlightenment project?

Answer 12

• they accept that political opposition to capitalism has fragmented into many different social movements eg. feminism and environmentalism