marxismNL

The next UvA PPA colloquium will be discussing a paper by Katherina Kinzel (Utrecht University), entitled 'Marx on Abstract Domination: A Reconstruction and Critique'. Comments will be given by Daniel Loick (UvA).  

Abstract

In this paper, I revisit Karl Marx’ account of the covert character of capitalist domination. I distinguish between two concepts in Marx’ economic writings that I refer to as abstract domination and impersonal class domination, respectively. Abstract domination arises when social relations become autonomous from the individuals that stand in these relations. Impersonal domination, in contrast, arises from wage-dependency which constitutes and mediates the domination of capitalists over workers in impersonal ways. I raise some critical objections to Marx’ account. In particular, I argue that it remains unclear as to why abstract domination should be considered a form of social domination at all, rather than as mere structural constraint on agency. I also show that Marx account of how abstract and impersonal domination are related falls short of his own goal of “de-fetishizing” capitalist social relations. I  conclude by sketching an alternative that mobilizes the explanatory potential of Marx’ own concept of impersonal domination, and that retains Marx’ commitment to de-fetishization.

 Date : April 8

Time: 15h30-17h00

 Location: UvA, Oude Turfmarkt 145-147 - Faculteitskamer II, as well as on Zoom: https://uva-live.zoom.us/j/68214151652