Description
Book SynopsisThe concept of ideology - traditionally one of Marxism's most persuasive ideas - has recently been subjected to devastating criticism. Michele Barrett shows that Marx's own writings offer a confusing array of possible approaches to 'ideology', which the classical Marxist tradition consolidated as 'mystification that serves class interests'.
Trade Review'In this timely book, Michele Barrett dissects the uses and abuses of the concept of ideology with exemplary lucidity and precision. By doing so, she opens the way to a vital reassessment of subjectivity and humanist values, a critical move in the development of a post-Marxist politics.'
Jeffrey Weeks, Bristol Polytechnic 'The Politics of Truth is an engaging and at times impassioned read, and Barrett is to be commended for her remarkable lucidity in communicating some pretty obscure formulations and debates.' Sociology
'Barrett's book is indispensable for all those interested not only in the current problems surrounding Marxism, but also in ways of dealing with them.' Women in Philosophy Newsletter
'An essential contribution to current debates in a field with central significance for the future of social theory.' Theory, Culture and Society
Table of ContentsPreface and Acknowledgements.
Part I: Classical Marxism and Theories of Ideology:.
1. Marx: Inheriting Contradictions.
2. Ideology: Critique or Description?.
3. Problems of Science and Determinism.
Part II: Collapse of the Marxist Model:.
4. Ideology, Politics, Hegemony: From Gramsci to Laclau and Mouffe.
5. Subjectivity, Humanism, Psychoanalysis: Beyond Althusser's Lacan.
Part III: The Politics of Truth:.
6. History, Discourse, 'Truth' and Power: Foucault's Critique of Ideology.
7. Conclusion: Post-Marxism and the Concept of Ideology.
Index.
