Marxist interpretation of Postmodernity

Question 1

Who is Harvey?

Answer 1

-An unusual neo-marxist. Develops marxism in a framework that argues we have entered a PM era.

Question 2

Harvey’s view

Answer 2

-Due to economic changes (1970s) we’ve have a fragmenting society/ image & superficiality in culture
-No due to metanarratives (PMists) but falling capitalist profits-due to rising oil prices, moves away from manufacturing & globalisation

Question 3

What have these changes also led too?

Answer 3

Space-time compression: space/distance less important due to digital communication& faster travel.
-In response, capitalists sought new sources of profit through new areas of commerce (Flexible Accumulation)
-Seek to earn via rapid changes in products, manipulate trends, believe we must constantly reinvent ourselves w new products-unlimited demand

Question 4

How has globalisation utilised capitalism? But what real changes are affecting it?

Answer 4

-Ability to produce cheaper goods.
However, Harvey identifies real changes drastically affecting capitalism.
Eg: National Govs now less powerful, so change tends to occur at a global level- real political discussion replaced by image politics (what appears to happen is more important than what ac does)

Question 5

Harvey’s conclusion

Answer 5

-Sc as a cause of division is joined by other forms eg gender, sexu, ethn
-Believes the capitalist economy still the main driving force behind social change, so critical of PM eg Lyotard & Baudrillard who believe modernist explanations are outdated eg Marxism