Marxism: The Frankfurt School

The definition of Marxism is apt – and so pervasive (with its seven stages of development) that it could, perhaps does, apply to all possible manifestations of culture.

Whether by supporters or detractors, Marxism is also usually associated with fervent idealism, idealism that often has an aspect of negativity attached to it. It seems to lead to pessimism, making one feel that whatever cultural manifestation might eventually present itself, Marxism would label it doomed, and by extension, humanity, as well.

In comparison to Marxism is capitalism that in its description alone at times seems to a glimmer of hope in the form of the prospect of self-autonomy. Capitalism lurks behind the belief that the ‘big success’ could happen to you, too. This perspective views Marxism and capitalism through the narrow prism of economic individuality.

From an artistic perspective, Marxism offers individuals the hope of escaping the stifling blanket of hegemony, only to face the dangers of being labelled ‘counter culture’ (Norton 2001: 14). It is flexibility that seems in short supply in Marxism.

Deleuze and Gauttari have earned their place in literature for their criticism of Freud. He based, they say, the nuclear family on the patriarchal structure (ibid: 17) of a man in charge and a woman at home under his thumb – as though this were natural and not man-made.

Bibliography

Leitch, Vincent B. et al. 2001.

Marxism. In: The Norton Anthology of Theory and Criticism.

New York: W.W. Norton & Company, Inc.