Theories of power and politics: Neo-Marxist

Definition of Neo-Marxist Theory

Neo-Marxism is a broad term for a variety of twentieth century approaches that amend or extend Marxism and Marxist theory, typically by incorporating elements from other intellectual traditions such as critical theory or psychoanalysis.

Neo-Marxist View of Power

Just like Marxists, Neo-Marxists, view power as predominantly derived from economic control. However, they also acknowledge that power can manifest through cultural and ideological dominance.
Cultural Hegemony, a concept introduced by Antonio Gramsci, a famous Neo-Marxist, is central to this theory. It argues that the ruling class uses cultural norms and values as a way to uphold their control, even without the overt use of force.

Politics According to Neo-Marxism

Neo-Marxists believe that power in society is not merely held by those owning the means of production, but also by those who control the superstructure. This includes institutions like the media, education and legal systems which help propagate the ideology and culture of the ruling class.
In politics, Neo-Marxists argue, often the state and the laws are manipulated to help maintain the dominance of the ruling class.

Neo-Marxism and Change

Neo-Marxism harbors a belief in the necessity of social change. However, unlike classic Marxism, it doesn’t exclusively see it as a result of economic factors or class struggle.
They contend that social change also comes from a shift in cultural and ideological dominance, which could be achieved through sustained critical discourse and resistance against hegemonic norms.

Critiques of Neo-Marxist Theory

Critics of Neo-Marxism argue that it overemphasizes the role of ideology in shaping society at the expense of tangible economic and political conditions.
There is scepticism regarding the breadth of Neo-Marxism, detaining that its broad scope leads to a lack of clarity and precision in its interpretations of politics, power and social change.

Understanding the Neo-Marxist theories of power and politics can offer a nuanced approach to analysing the underlying mechanism behind social power and political operations. It expands upon Marxist theory by incorporating concept of cultural and ideological condition into the discourse of power and politics.