In recent years historians and other social scientists have widely questioned the continued relevance of social class - as historical relationship, as sociological category, as philosophical concept, and in terms of its enduring political significance. The success of the British Conservative Party since 1979, combined with the weaknesses and failures of the Labour movement, have led historians and social scientists to reconsider the general nature of connections between the 'social' and the 'political' and the specific relations between the working class and socialist and Labour politics. This collection of essays is a multi-disciplinary critique of the new revisionism, which demonstrates the continued vitality and promise of non-reductionist and non-determinist modes of class analysis.

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.

This major reassessment of the relevance of Marxism in the social sciences decisively rebuts claims that it has been consigned to the dustbin of history by the collapse of communism and apparent triumph of capitalism and liberal democracy. The book first considers how Marxism has engaged with various critiques including Postmodernism, New Right theory and Feminism before assessing its continuing utility as a framework for analysis of a range of substantive issues from class and the state to culture, ecology and globalization.

First published in 1984. This study critically examines the conceptions of social class employed by Marx and by modern Marxist writers, to probe their problematic areas and to propose certain modifications to those conception. The author also tests the conclusions deriving from this theoretical reflection against the task of analysing some aspects of the development of class relations in a particular social formation in Britain. This title will be of interest to students of philosophy and politics.

Although Marx’s concept of ideology has been a subject of considerable discussion, much of the debate has proved to be rather disappointing. There has been no systematic attempt to examine why Marx needed the concept of ideology, why it was an important concept for him and how it related to his views on truth and objectivity. This book, first published in 1982, considers these and other neglected questions. It explains why Marx continued to use the term ideology throughout his life to mean both idealism and apologia and traces the complex ways in which, according to Marx, such talented writers as Hegel became apologists. In conclusion the book outlines the lessons Marx learnt from his investigations into the nature and mechanism of ideology and discusses his theories of objectivity and truth.

"Beyond Capitalism: A Comparative Study of Socialism, Communism, and Marxism" by Nicklas Nickel offers a thorough exploration of the ideological frameworks that have shaped modern history and continue to influence our world today. This compelling and insightful book delves deep into the origins, development, and practical impact of socialism, communism, and Marxism, providing a nuanced understanding of these complex ideologies. Unraveling Ideologies: From Historical Origins to Contemporary Relevance Nickel's work is a comprehensive investigation that traces the evolution of these ideologies from their roots in the Industrial Revolution to their manifestations in the 20th and 21st centuries. The book examines the philosophical underpinnings, historical contexts, and societal implications of socialism, communism, and Marxism, offering readers a clear and accessible analysis of their similarities and differences. Drawing on historical events and real-world examples, "Beyond Capitalism" provides readers with an understanding of how these ideologies emerged as responses to the social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. It highlights the key principles that define each ideology and unpacks the debates that surround their implementation. Nickel's approach is scholarly yet approachable, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can engage with the material. A Journey Through the Historical and Philosophical Landscape The book begins with a detailed exploration of the 19th-century context in which these ideologies took shape. It examines the profound social, economic, and cultural shifts brought about by industrialization and capitalism, providing a backdrop for understanding the rise of socialism, communism, and Marxism. Nickel delves into the early critiques of capitalism and the calls for social reform, shedding light on the Enlightenment thinkers and liberal ideals that influenced the development of these ideologies. Readers are guided through the tumultuous period of social unrest and labor movements, from the emergence of trade unions to the global spread of these movements and the state's responses. The role of key figures such as Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels is explored in depth, including their foundational works like "The Communist Manifesto" and "Das Kapital." Nickel also examines the influence of Marxist thought on the early socialist and communist movements, setting the stage for the book's in-depth analysis of Marxist theory. In-Depth Analysis of Marxist Theory "Beyond Capitalism" dedicates an entire chapter to dissecting the core tenets of Marxist theory, including the concepts of the proletariat and bourgeoisie, dialectical materialism, historical materialism, class struggle, and the role of the state. Nickel's meticulous approach allows readers to grasp the philosophical foundations of Marxism and its revolutionary implications. The book offers a detailed examination of how Marxist theory interprets class relations, social change, and the nature of state power. It explores the concepts of alienation and exploitation within capitalist societies and the Marxist vision of a classless, stateless society under communism. By providing a balanced critique of Marxist theory, Nickel encourages readers to engage critically with its ideas and consider their relevance in the contemporary world. Exploring Socialism and Communism In addition to its focus on Marxism, "Beyond Capitalism" provides a thorough analysis of socialism and communism as distinct yet interconnected ideologies. The book outlines the theoretical foundations of the transition from socialism to communism and discusses the challenges and debates that surround this process. Nickel examines the key features of socialist societies, such as social ownership of the means of production, centralized economic planning, redistribution, social welfare, and democratic participation. He explores the practical implications of these principles in various historical and contemporary contexts, highlighting both the successes and challenges of socialist experiments. The book also delves into the evolution of property rights within socialist systems, comparing them to those in capitalist economies. It offers a nuanced discussion of the bureaucratic state-owned enterprise, its role in socialist societies, and the complexities of state ownership, control, and the allocation of resources. A Balanced and Accessible Approach Nickel's writing is clear, engaging, and accessible, making complex ideas and historical developments understandable for readers who may not have a background in political theory or economics. He takes care to present multiple perspectives, acknowledging the criticisms and debates that have surrounded these ideologies throughout history. The book avoids oversimplification, instead offering a balanced view that recognizes the diversity of thought within socialism, communism, and Marxism. It examines both the positive contributions and the limitations of these ideologies, encouraging readers to think critically about their relevance and applicability in the modern world. Contemporary Relevance: Ideologies in the 21st Century "Beyond Capitalism" is not just a historical account; it also addresses the contemporary relevance of socialism, communism, and Marxism in today's global landscape. Nickel discusses the legacy of 20th-century class struggles, the rise of neoliberalism, and the ongoing debates over economic inequality, social justice, and environmental sustainability. By examining the ideological underpinnings of current political and economic systems, the book offers readers valuable insights into the forces that continue to shape our world. It invites readers to reflect on the potential future of these ideologies and consider their role in addressing the challenges of the 21st century. A Must-Read for Anyone Seeking Understanding of the Socio-Political Landscape "Beyond Capitalism" is an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the socio-political landscape and the ideological debates that continue to influence global society. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or a curious reader, this book provides a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the complex and evolving terrain of socialism, communism, and Marxism. With its thorough analysis, balanced perspective, and accessible style, "Beyond Capitalism" is a valuable addition to any bookshelf. It encourages readers to explore the past, understand the present, and contemplate the future of these ideologies in our ever-changing world. Grab your copy of "Beyond Capitalism: A Comparative Study of Socialism, Communism, and Marxism" today and embark on a journey through the complex ideologies that have shaped history and continue to impact our lives!

`Marxism and Literary Criticism is amazingly comprehensive for its brief format. Eagleton has been able to sum up the main areas of Marxist criticism in the West today.' |I Times Literary Supplement

Winner of the 2017 Choice Outstanding Academic Title Award In Marxism and Criminology: A History of Criminal Selectivity, Valeria Vegh Weis rehabilitates the contributions and the methodology of Marx and Engels to analyze crime and punishment through the historical development of capitalism (15th Century to the present) in Europe and in the United States. The author puts forward the concepts of over-criminalization and under-criminalization to show that the criminal justice system has always been selective. Criminal injustice, the book argues, has been an inherent element of the founding and reproduction of a capitalist society. At a time when racial profiling, prosecutorial discretion, and mass incarceration continue to defy easy answers, Vegh Weis invites us to revisit Marx and Engels’ contributions to identify socio-economic and historic patterns of crime and punishment in order to foster transformative changes to criminal justice. The book includes a Foreword by Professor Roger Matthews of Kent University, and an Afterword written by Professor Jonathan Simon of the University of California, Berkeley.

Marx's theory of history is often regarded as the most enduring and fruitful aspect of his intellectual legacy. His "historical materialism" has been the inspiration for some of the best historical writing in the works of scholars such as Eric Hobsbawm, E.P.Thompson, Rodney Hilton and Robert Brenner. S.H. Rigby establishes Marx's claims about social structure and historical change, discusses their use in his own and his followers' writings, and assesses the validity of his theories. He argues that Marx's social theories were profoundly contradictory and that Marxism has proved most useful when it is seen as a source of questions, concepts and hypotheses rather than as a philosophy of historical development.

Marxism as an intellectual movement has been one of the most important and fertile contributions to twentieth-century thought. No social theory or political philosophy today can be taken seriously unless it enters a dialogue, not just with the legacy of Marx, but also with the innovations and questions that spring from the movement that his work sparked, Marxism. Marx provided a revolutionary set of ideas about freedom, politics and society. As social and political conditions changed and new intellectual challenges to Marx's social philosophy arose, the Marxist theorists sought to update his social theory, rectify the sociological positions of historical materialism and respond to philosophical challenges with a Marxist reply. This book provides an accessible introduction to Marxism by explaining each of the key concepts of Marxist politics and social theory. The book is organized into three parts, which explore the successive waves of change within Marxist theory and places these in historical context, while the whole provides a clear and comprehensive account of Marxism as an intellectual system.