Topic 4 - neo marxist Flashcards
Introduction?
Marx, who died in 1883, developed influential theories that have been updated to account for social change. Neo-Marxism refers to theories that update, extend, or develop traditional Marxist ideas. These theories share a common belief in societal conflict between social groups and a critique of capitalism. Neo-Marxism emerged as Marxism failed as a predictive theory, particularly because the working class did not develop class consciousness, preventing the revolution Marx predicted.
Neo-marxism and economic determinism theory?
Traditional Marxism explains social inequality through economic relationships between capitalists and the working class, known as economic determinism. However, it doesn’t account for structural inequalities like gender and racial inequality. Neo-Marxists reject economic determinism and focus on factors such as ideology and access to power to explain structural inequality. Many neo-Marxists emphasize the control of ideas, particularly through media ownership, as a key cause of inequality.
Important neo-marxist thinkers?
Neo-Marxism is better understood by examining key figures, rather than as a single theory. Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937) argued that the bourgeoisie maintain power and make inequality acceptable by controlling both the economy and the creation of societal ideas. He called this “bourgeois hegemony,” where the ruling class’s ideas are accepted by the majority, often through education and religion. However, Strinati criticized this view for oversimplifying the complexity of society.
Althusser (1918-1990)
Althusser (1918-1990) argued that society is oppressed by two forms of social organization: the repressive state apparatus (RSA), which controls the working class through power and violence (e.g., government, courts, police), and the ideological state apparatus (ISA), which includes institutions like family, media, education, and religion. These institutions reinforce capitalist ideas, making people view capitalism positively. However, Althusser acknowledged a lack of evidence to fully support these ideas. The Frankfurt School, intellectuals who opposed Nazism in the 1920s-30s, argued that media and propaganda turned culture into a commodity, conditioning the poor to accept ruling class ideas. Critics of both views argue they oversimplify society and fail to explain why the working class accepts their position.
Nicos pulantzas ( 1936 - 1979)
Nicos Poulantzas (1936-1979) argued that capitalism doesn’t directly control society, but instead gains consent from certain groups by meeting some of their demands, such as minimum wage or workplace safety laws. This creates the illusion that capitalists are on the workers’ side, preventing class consciousness from developing. While the labor movement improved inequality, it didn’t lead to societal change for all. Critics note that Poulantzas’ focus on achieving a socialist revolution makes his ideas dated to the time in which he wrote.
Millaband (1924-1994)
Milliband (1924-1994) argued that in capitalism, the state is controlled by a small, powerful elite who protect capitalist interests, making the state a tool for the ruling class rather than a democratic institution. He believed that inequality was crucial for the state’s survival and that most working-class people did not understand the role of socialism in improving their lives. He criticized the idea of meritocracy, claiming it was a myth, as the ruling class comes from wealthy backgrounds. Critics, however, argue that the working class is not mistaken in supporting capitalism and has the right to choose in a democratic society.
Braverman (1920–1976)
Braverman (1920–1976) argued that industrial workers lost skills due to mechanization, which made work more miserable and alienating. This “deskilling” gave owners more power over hiring and firing, increasing their wealth at the workers’ expense. Erik Olin Wright (1947-2019), a neo-Marxist, updated Marxist theory by pointing out that social classes are not polarized but increasing in number and form. He argued that the middle class is exploited by capitalism but also exploits the working class. Wright believed class position depends on control over work processes, workers, and production. He thought change would come through reforms, not revolution, but saw little evidence of progress and noted that inequality is growing.
Stuart Hall (1932-2014)
Stuart Hall (1932-2014), a member of the Centre for Contemporary Cultural Studies, argued that the issues faced by ethnic minorities cannot be solely explained by class and racism. He called for a deeper analysis of the structural and cultural causes of black disadvantage. Hall also claimed that the media’s focus on young black muggers in the 1970s was a deliberate distraction from government failures and rising inequality.
Assessments of neo-marxist theories
Neo-Marxism has been influential in encouraging critical thinking about society, but its theories often lack empirical evidence and are difficult to test. Many neo-Marxist ideas present the ruling class and governments as deliberately conspiring to suppress workers, which can be seen as a conspiracy theory. Both Marxism and neo-Marxism view social relationships through conflict, but fail to account for shared aims and values between different social groups. Feminists argue that these theories overlook gender inequality, as they focus on the male-dominated work and economy. Solomos and Back (1995) assert that while traditional Marxism provides insight into inequality, it cannot adequately address the complexities of racial inequality, which is more complicated than Marxist theories suggest.
