Marxism, Class Analysis and Socialist Pluralism (RLE Marxism)

Marxism, Class Analysis and Socialist Pluralism (RLE Marxism)

Author: Les Johnston

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2015-04-17

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 1317502612

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This book, first published in 1986, presents a radical challenge to socialist orthodoxy, subjecting a key component of that orthodoxy – Marxism – to sustained criticism. Les Johnston argues that Marxism cannot provide the foundations for a rigorous socialist theory or an effective socialist politics. A fundamental element of this criticism is the suggestion that the problem of ‘reductionism’ which has preoccupied Marxists is a red herring. Marxism’s problem is not its reductionism but its theoretical incoherence. Marxism is not ‘deterministic’, for there is invariably an indeterminate relationship between the materialism it invokes and the forms of politics it adopts. However, materialism is an obstacle to socialist theory. The contradictions and failures of Marxist class analysis suggest that the class concept is inadequate to the demands that socialists continue to place on it. It is not merely class which is problematic, however, but the conception of political interests which is associated with it. Even recent Marxist ‘revisionists’ who dispense with class primacy are unwilling to come to terms with the question of how socialist political interests are constituted. Socialist theory has to recognise the varied forces and interests on ‘the left’, and an effective socialism will have to be a pluralistic one. This means there can be no general theory of socialism, since a pluralistic socialism has to be able to adjust to varying social conditions.


Book Synopsis Marxism, Class Analysis and Socialist Pluralism (RLE Marxism) by : Les Johnston

Download or read book Marxism, Class Analysis and Socialist Pluralism (RLE Marxism) written by Les Johnston and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 168 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book, first published in 1986, presents a radical challenge to socialist orthodoxy, subjecting a key component of that orthodoxy – Marxism – to sustained criticism. Les Johnston argues that Marxism cannot provide the foundations for a rigorous socialist theory or an effective socialist politics. A fundamental element of this criticism is the suggestion that the problem of ‘reductionism’ which has preoccupied Marxists is a red herring. Marxism’s problem is not its reductionism but its theoretical incoherence. Marxism is not ‘deterministic’, for there is invariably an indeterminate relationship between the materialism it invokes and the forms of politics it adopts. However, materialism is an obstacle to socialist theory. The contradictions and failures of Marxist class analysis suggest that the class concept is inadequate to the demands that socialists continue to place on it. It is not merely class which is problematic, however, but the conception of political interests which is associated with it. Even recent Marxist ‘revisionists’ who dispense with class primacy are unwilling to come to terms with the question of how socialist political interests are constituted. Socialist theory has to recognise the varied forces and interests on ‘the left’, and an effective socialism will have to be a pluralistic one. This means there can be no general theory of socialism, since a pluralistic socialism has to be able to adjust to varying social conditions.


Marxism, Class Analysis, and Socialist Pluralism

Marxism, Class Analysis, and Socialist Pluralism

Author: Les Johnston

Publisher: Unwin Hyman

Published: 1986

Total Pages: 155

ISBN-13: 9780043012390

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Book Synopsis Marxism, Class Analysis, and Socialist Pluralism by : Les Johnston

Download or read book Marxism, Class Analysis, and Socialist Pluralism written by Les Johnston and published by Unwin Hyman. This book was released on 1986 with total page 155 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Interrogating Inequality

Interrogating Inequality

Author: Erik Olin Wright

Publisher:

Published: 1994

Total Pages: 298

ISBN-13:

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This lively new collection from one of America's leading sociologists covers a wide range of theoretical problems of interest to radical social scientists and political activists. The book opens with a fascinating autobiographical essay exploring the challenges and benefits of being a Marxist scholar in the present era. Following this is a discussion of various issues in class analysis, with particular attention being paid to two overarching themes: class and inequality, and the relationship between class and power. The second section of the book engages the problem of socialism as a possible future to capitalism. Wright attempts to clarify the conceptual status of socialism, and discusses why certain reforms such as basic income grants may ultimately require the introduction of some form of socialism for their full realization. Interrogating Inequality concludes by examining the general problem of Marxism as a tradition of radical social theory. Three issues in particular are discussed: the central principles of "analytical Marxism" as a strategy for reconstructing Marxism as a social scientific theory; the relationship between Marxism and feminism as emancipatory social theories; and the prospects for Marxism in the aftermath of the collapse of communist regimes.


Book Synopsis Interrogating Inequality by : Erik Olin Wright

Download or read book Interrogating Inequality written by Erik Olin Wright and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This lively new collection from one of America's leading sociologists covers a wide range of theoretical problems of interest to radical social scientists and political activists. The book opens with a fascinating autobiographical essay exploring the challenges and benefits of being a Marxist scholar in the present era. Following this is a discussion of various issues in class analysis, with particular attention being paid to two overarching themes: class and inequality, and the relationship between class and power. The second section of the book engages the problem of socialism as a possible future to capitalism. Wright attempts to clarify the conceptual status of socialism, and discusses why certain reforms such as basic income grants may ultimately require the introduction of some form of socialism for their full realization. Interrogating Inequality concludes by examining the general problem of Marxism as a tradition of radical social theory. Three issues in particular are discussed: the central principles of "analytical Marxism" as a strategy for reconstructing Marxism as a social scientific theory; the relationship between Marxism and feminism as emancipatory social theories; and the prospects for Marxism in the aftermath of the collapse of communist regimes.


Approaches to Class Analysis

Approaches to Class Analysis

Author: Erik Olin Wright

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2005-07-01

Total Pages: 232

ISBN-13: 9781139444460

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Few themes have been as central to sociology as 'class' and yet class remains a perpetually contested idea. Sociologists disagree not only on how best to define the concept of class but on its general role in social theory and indeed on its continued relevance to the sociological analysis of contemporary society. Some people believe that classes have largely dissolved in contemporary societies; others believe class remains one of the fundamental forms of social inequality and social power. Some see class as a narrow economic phenomenon whilst others adopt an expansive conception that includes cultural dimensions as well as economic conditions. This 2005 book explores the theoretical foundations of six major perspectives of class with each chapter written by an expert in the field. It concludes with a conceptual map of these alternative approaches by posing the question: 'If class is the answer, what is the question?'


Book Synopsis Approaches to Class Analysis by : Erik Olin Wright

Download or read book Approaches to Class Analysis written by Erik Olin Wright and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2005-07-01 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Few themes have been as central to sociology as 'class' and yet class remains a perpetually contested idea. Sociologists disagree not only on how best to define the concept of class but on its general role in social theory and indeed on its continued relevance to the sociological analysis of contemporary society. Some people believe that classes have largely dissolved in contemporary societies; others believe class remains one of the fundamental forms of social inequality and social power. Some see class as a narrow economic phenomenon whilst others adopt an expansive conception that includes cultural dimensions as well as economic conditions. This 2005 book explores the theoretical foundations of six major perspectives of class with each chapter written by an expert in the field. It concludes with a conceptual map of these alternative approaches by posing the question: 'If class is the answer, what is the question?'


Marxism and History

Marxism and History

Author: S. H. Rigby

Publisher: Manchester University Press

Published: 2024-06-04

Total Pages: 333

ISBN-13: 1526184044

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This critically aclaimed book, now in its second edition is firmly established as an essential guide to this recent historiographical debate. Adopted as a set book by the Open University. An indispensable guide to Marxist historiography for undergradu. . . .


Book Synopsis Marxism and History by : S. H. Rigby

Download or read book Marxism and History written by S. H. Rigby and published by Manchester University Press. This book was released on 2024-06-04 with total page 333 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This critically aclaimed book, now in its second edition is firmly established as an essential guide to this recent historiographical debate. Adopted as a set book by the Open University. An indispensable guide to Marxist historiography for undergradu. . . .


Marx and Marxism

Marx and Marxism

Author: Peter Worsley

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-08-21

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 1134451539

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Karl Marx probably had more influence on the political course of the last century than any other social thinker. There are many different kinds of Marxism, and the Twentieth Century saw two huge Marxist states in total opposition to one another. In the West, Marxism has never presented a revolutionary threat to the established order, though it has taken root as the major theoretical critique of capitalist society in intellectual circles, and new interpretations of Marx's thought appear each year. Peter Worsley discusses all these major varieties of Marxism, distinguishing between those ideas which remain valid, those which are contestable, and those which should now be discarded. Rather than treating Marxism purely as a philosophy in the abstract, he concentrates upon the uses to which Marxism has been put and emphasises the connections between the theoretical debates and political struggles in the real world.


Book Synopsis Marx and Marxism by : Peter Worsley

Download or read book Marx and Marxism written by Peter Worsley and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2013-08-21 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Karl Marx probably had more influence on the political course of the last century than any other social thinker. There are many different kinds of Marxism, and the Twentieth Century saw two huge Marxist states in total opposition to one another. In the West, Marxism has never presented a revolutionary threat to the established order, though it has taken root as the major theoretical critique of capitalist society in intellectual circles, and new interpretations of Marx's thought appear each year. Peter Worsley discusses all these major varieties of Marxism, distinguishing between those ideas which remain valid, those which are contestable, and those which should now be discarded. Rather than treating Marxism purely as a philosophy in the abstract, he concentrates upon the uses to which Marxism has been put and emphasises the connections between the theoretical debates and political struggles in the real world.


The A to Z of Marxism

The A to Z of Marxism

Author: David Walker

Publisher: Scarecrow Press

Published: 2009-08-13

Total Pages: 446

ISBN-13: 0810870185

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Marxism, one of the few philosophies that turned into an effective movement, not so long ago was the official ideology in one form or another of much of humanity. It was promulgated initially by the Soviet Union, then imposed on much of Central and Eastern Europe, later emerged in the People's Republic of China, and gradually spread to other parts of Asia and even bits of Africa and Latin America. Although declining in its initial popularity, it still remains strong in several countries and is supported by numerous communist and other parties and countless individuals around the world. The A to Z of Marxism covers the history of Marxism and all its thinkers and schools of thought in a comprehensive manner. This is done, through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-reference dictionary entries on basic terms and concepts, significant thinkers and doers, and also the parties and countries that followed it.


Book Synopsis The A to Z of Marxism by : David Walker

Download or read book The A to Z of Marxism written by David Walker and published by Scarecrow Press. This book was released on 2009-08-13 with total page 446 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Marxism, one of the few philosophies that turned into an effective movement, not so long ago was the official ideology in one form or another of much of humanity. It was promulgated initially by the Soviet Union, then imposed on much of Central and Eastern Europe, later emerged in the People's Republic of China, and gradually spread to other parts of Asia and even bits of Africa and Latin America. Although declining in its initial popularity, it still remains strong in several countries and is supported by numerous communist and other parties and countless individuals around the world. The A to Z of Marxism covers the history of Marxism and all its thinkers and schools of thought in a comprehensive manner. This is done, through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-reference dictionary entries on basic terms and concepts, significant thinkers and doers, and also the parties and countries that followed it.


Mapping Ideology

Mapping Ideology

Author: Slavoj Zizek

Publisher: Verso Books

Published: 2012-11-13

Total Pages: 414

ISBN-13: 1781684553

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For a long time, the term 'ideology' was in disrepute, having become associated with such unfashionable notions as fundamental truth and the eternal verities. The tide has turned, and recent years have seen a revival of interest in the questions that ideology poses to social and cultural theory, and to political practice. Mapping Ideology is a comprehensive reader covering the most important contemporary writing on the subject. Including Slavoj Zizek's study of the development of the concept from Marx to the present, assessments of the contributions of Lukcs and the Frankfurt School by Terry Eagleton, Peter Dews and Seyla Benhabib, and essays by Adorno, Lacan and Althusser, Mapping Ideology is an invaluable guide to the most dynamic field in cultural theory.


Book Synopsis Mapping Ideology by : Slavoj Zizek

Download or read book Mapping Ideology written by Slavoj Zizek and published by Verso Books. This book was released on 2012-11-13 with total page 414 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For a long time, the term 'ideology' was in disrepute, having become associated with such unfashionable notions as fundamental truth and the eternal verities. The tide has turned, and recent years have seen a revival of interest in the questions that ideology poses to social and cultural theory, and to political practice. Mapping Ideology is a comprehensive reader covering the most important contemporary writing on the subject. Including Slavoj Zizek's study of the development of the concept from Marx to the present, assessments of the contributions of Lukcs and the Frankfurt School by Terry Eagleton, Peter Dews and Seyla Benhabib, and essays by Adorno, Lacan and Althusser, Mapping Ideology is an invaluable guide to the most dynamic field in cultural theory.


Marxism and Social Science

Marxism and Social Science

Author: Andrew Gamble

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 1999-04-28

Total Pages: 387

ISBN-13: 1349274569

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This major reassessment of the relevance of Marxism in the social sciences decisively rebuts claims that it has been consigned to the dustbin of history by the collapse of communism and apparent triumph of capitalism and liberal democracy. The book first considers how Marxism has engaged with various critiques including Postmodernism, New Right theory and Feminism before assessing its continuing utility as a framework for analysis of a range of substantive issues from class and the state to culture, ecology and globalization.


Book Synopsis Marxism and Social Science by : Andrew Gamble

Download or read book Marxism and Social Science written by Andrew Gamble and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 1999-04-28 with total page 387 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This major reassessment of the relevance of Marxism in the social sciences decisively rebuts claims that it has been consigned to the dustbin of history by the collapse of communism and apparent triumph of capitalism and liberal democracy. The book first considers how Marxism has engaged with various critiques including Postmodernism, New Right theory and Feminism before assessing its continuing utility as a framework for analysis of a range of substantive issues from class and the state to culture, ecology and globalization.


Companion to Historiography

Companion to Historiography

Author: Michael Bentley

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2006-02-27

Total Pages: 1004

ISBN-13: 1134970242

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The Companion to Historiography is an original analysis of the moods and trends in historical writing throughout its phases of development and explores the assumptions and procedures that have formed the creation of historical perspectives. Contributed by a distinguished panel of academics, each essay conveys in direct, jargon-free language a genuinely international, wide-angled view of the ideas, traditions and institutions that lie behind the contemporary urgency of world history.


Book Synopsis Companion to Historiography by : Michael Bentley

Download or read book Companion to Historiography written by Michael Bentley and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2006-02-27 with total page 1004 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Companion to Historiography is an original analysis of the moods and trends in historical writing throughout its phases of development and explores the assumptions and procedures that have formed the creation of historical perspectives. Contributed by a distinguished panel of academics, each essay conveys in direct, jargon-free language a genuinely international, wide-angled view of the ideas, traditions and institutions that lie behind the contemporary urgency of world history.