Critical Theory

Marxist Critique

Marx's critique of the free market economy and capitalism is as applicable today as it was in the 19th century. Capitalism as an ideology was a power structure based on exploitation of the working classes. Economic production revolves around the exploited relationship between bourgeoisie and proletariat. The bourgeoisie have monopolized production since the beginning of the industrial revolution, forcing the proletariat from the land and into structured environments (e.g., urban factories). Peasants became workers, and the working wage was a controlled, structured device that gives the proletariat only a fraction of the generated revenue. The surplus value from production is a profit that is taken by the bourgeoisie. Critical theorists would argue that this practice is both theft and wage slavery. This leads to wider consequences (i.e., overproduction), which in the 20th and 21st centuries has had wide implications for the environment. Marxism favors social organization with all individuals having the right to participate in consumption and production. The result of class exploitation, Marxists believe, would be the revolutionary overthrow of capitalism with communism.

Max Horkheimer, a founding member of the Frankfurt School in the 1920s and 1930s, wanted to develop critical theory as a form of Marxism, with the objective of changing society. His ideas attempted to address the threat not only of fascism in Europe but of the rise of consumer culture, which can create forms of cultural hegemony and new forms of social control. Theory adapts to changing times, but within new social situations, theories can be developed and applied to contemporary contexts. Horkheimer's focus on consumer culture can be used today within modern communication when we reflect on how people today socialize. One example is Facebook and the ways behavioral patterns continue to change as people use the World Wide Web more and more to exchange personal information. What are the [Page 301]consequences of these changes for social organization and consumer culture?

A very contemporary application of Marxism has been provided by Mike Cole, who applies Marxist ideas to education by using the example of Venezuela and Hugo Chavez, who opposes capitalism and imperialism. In education, Cole highlights, Chavez has hoped to open 38 new state universities with 190 satellite classrooms throughout Venezuela by 2009. Social projects such as housing are linked to this policy. Communal councils have been created whereby the local population meets to decide on local policies and how to implement them, rather than relying on bourgeois administrative machinery. Chavez is not only talking about democratic socialism but applying it to government policy. Therefore, one can apply Marxist critique politically in different parts of the world. Chavez's policies are a reaction to capitalism and the colonial legacy and have the objective of moving Venezuela in a more socialist direction. Application and interpretation are the keys when applying critical theory within research design. Cole applies Marxist ideas to the example of Venezuela and provides evidence to interpret the events that are taking place. Critical theory can be effective when it is applied in contemporary contexts.

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