Post-Marxism

Post-Marxism refers to a diverse range of theoretical perspectives that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to certain limitations of classical Marxism. While Marxism provided valuable insights into social and economic relations, post-Marxist thinkers sought to address issues such as the decline of class-based politics, the rise of identity politics, and the changing nature of capitalism.

Post-Marxism can be seen as a continuation, reinterpretation, or critique of Marxist theory rather than a complete rejection of it. It acknowledges the contributions of Marx's analysis of capitalism, exploitation, and class struggle, but seeks to update and expand Marxist thought to account for new social and political dynamics.

One key aspect of post-Marxism is its emphasis on cultural and discursive dimensions of power. Post-Marxists argue that power operates not only through economic relations but also through cultural symbols, language, and ideologies. They explore how meanings and identities are constructed, and how power relations are reproduced or challenged through discursive practices.

Another important aspect of post-Marxist thought is its attention to the intersectionality of oppressions. Influenced by feminist and critical race theories, post-Marxism highlights how various forms of oppression, such as class, race, gender, and sexuality, intersect and mutually reinforce each other. It recognizes that struggles against multiple forms of oppression are interconnected and should be addressed collectively.

Post-Marxism also engages with the challenges posed by globalization and the changing nature of capitalism. It examines how neoliberalism has transformed economic structures and reshaped power relations. Post-Marxist thinkers explore the dynamics of post-industrial societies, the role of information and communication technologies, and the increasing precarity of labor in the contemporary capitalist system.

It's important to note that post-Marxism encompasses a range of perspectives and debates within its framework. Some notable post-Marxist thinkers include Ernesto Laclau, Chantal Mouffe, Stuart Hall, and Nancy Fraser. Each of these thinkers contributes to the development of post-Marxist thought in distinct ways, but they all share a common concern with rethinking and updating Marxist theory to address the complexities of contemporary society.

Neo-Marxism

1. Share basics ideas of Marxism;
2. It updated and reinterpreted Marxist thought to account for new social and economic conditions;
3. "Rejection of Economic Determinism": one of the key aspect; Other factors such as culture, ideology, and power relations also play a significant role in shaping society;
4. "Concept of Imperialism": one of the key idea; Marx did not give this concept; imperialism is a central feature of capitalism and that it leads to inequality and exploitation both within and between nations;
5.  It included others forms of oppression - race, gender, and sexuality. These forms of oppression intersect with economic class to create a complex web of social relations that shape society;
6. Antonio Gramsci, Louis Althusser, and Herbert Marcuse (Capitalism creates a false consciousness);

Basic Features

Relative autonomy of state:

1. Neo-Marxists reject theory of economic determinism; also criticized welfare state and the pluralist state;
2. "Ralph Miliband's" the "State in Capitalist Society (1968)"; emphasized over understanding of bureaucracy, army, and judiciary; he focuses over the managerial class for understanding the state (he not focusing over the economic factors, it is a new instrument of exploitation);
3. "Nicos Poulantzss" "Political Power and Social Classes (1973)"; focusing over the structures of society - political structure, ideological structure, legal and technical structure - state is not only dependent over the economic structures;
4. Meaning: state is not completely independent of the economic and social forces that shape society, but rather has a degree of independence or autonomy from them. State has a certain degree of independence from the immediate economic interests of the capitalist class, and can act in ways that are not completely determined by the interests of that class;
5. The development of a bureaucratic apparatus that has its own interests and goals, other social forces - labor, unions, and social movements; and the complex interplay of different economic and political factors;

Alienation:

1. It focusing over the psychosocial problems of capitalism, rather than economic outcome of the capitalism;
2. "Herbert Marcuse": depicted psychosocial problems in his book "One Dimensional Man (1964)";
3. "Habermas": Technological advancement is changing human being in machine. Therefor, alienation simple means losing freedom and acting like an atom.

Democracy:

1. Neo-Marxists did not accepted the dictatorship of proletariat because it suppress the liberty and maintain one party rule;
2. "Habermas" is also disappointed by liberal democracy too because it is functioning for protecting the capitalism;
3. Neo-Marxists support holistic concept of democracy;

Humanism:

1. Neo-Marxists don't believe in the positivistic scientific theory of orthodox Marxists;
2. For them human ideas and consciousness is more important. Culture and religion are equally important for understanding the society;
3. For them, liberation of human being is most important;

Rejection of Class:

1. For them, society is not divided only in two opposing classes. And proletariat is no longer ready for bringing about communist revolution.
2. Therefor, the minorities, students, lesbians are the new torch bearers of Marxism;