Marxism, Class Analysis and Socialist Pluralism (RLE Marxism)

A Theoretical and Political Critique of Marxist Conceptions of Politics

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science
Cover of the book Marxism, Class Analysis and Socialist Pluralism (RLE Marxism) by Les Johnston, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Les Johnston ISBN: 9781317502609
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 17, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Les Johnston
ISBN: 9781317502609
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 17, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Essentials of Petroleum by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Translating Song by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Fearless Editing by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Technological Innovation in Retail Finance by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Democracy, Equality, and Justice by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Linguistic Dating of Biblical Texts: Vol 1 by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Conflict And Choice In Resource Management by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Industrial Economic Regulation by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Transforming the U.S. Financial System: An Equitable and Efficient Structure for the 21st Century by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Luigi Pirandello in the Theatre by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Assessing Learners in Higher Education by Les Johnston
Cover of the book Work Pressures by Les Johnston
Cover of the book John Norden's The Surveyor's Dialogue (1618) by Les Johnston
Cover of the book A Preface to Swift by Les Johnston
Cover of the book The Strategic Manager by Les Johnston
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy