Theory and Methods: Neo-Marxism

Neo-Marxism

Althusser: Argues that there are three interlocking systems that drive society forward:

1. Economical System: Producing all material goods.
2. Political System: Organising society and passing laws.
3. Ideological System: Providing class ideas and beliefs.

He suggested that the economic system has overall control over the other two systems. However, it leaves them to make their own decisions, relative autonomy, but if they overstep the mark, the Bourgeoisie will step in. He argues that the Bourgeoisie will get too complacent, thus causing the end of Capitalism.

Frankfurt School:

• Adorno: 'The instrumental reason'. Argues that the media has encouraged consumerism. He believes that this growth has given people an incentive to work harder so they can purchase the products they desire.
• Marcuse: 'Mass culture'. Believed that the rapid growth in the media has changed the way in which the population are kept in check by the ruling class. The media encourages people to accept their place in society by distracting them with trivial entertainment.
• The Oppression of Personality: Workers know that they need to work hard in order to gain money to partake in Capitalist society. Due to this work ethic, many people work harder and therefore have less leisure time. The Bourgeoisie cash in on this by creating industries around peoples pleasures and desires.

Gramsci: Believed that the Proletariat can influence social change by creating their own hegemony, to provide people with an alternative way of life to the Capitalist state. He suggests that the Bourgeoisie maintain their dominance in two ways:

1.      Coercion: Forcing the Proletariat to accept its rule through sanctions.

2.      Consent: It persuades the Proletariat that their rule is fair.

He believed that hegemony is never truly achieved due to two reasons:

1. The Bourgeoisie are a minority - They have a 'power bloc' to stop a revolution by giving away the means of production to the middle classes.
2. The Bourgeoisie feel vulnerable - If the Proletariat are unhappy then they may revolt.

He disagrees with Marx's 'dictatorship of the Proletariat' and argues that an 'organic intellectual' is required.

Harvey: Suggests that there has been a significant economic change since the 1970s that has resulted in a move to a late-modern society. He argues that Capitalist economies have been very clear about adapting. They have been able to maintain profits by creating new industries and moving their manufacturing plants to poorer countries in order to exploit the cheap labour and then sell their products at a higher price in wealthier countries. He calls this 'flexible accumulation'.