L11 - Zombie Capitalism

Page 1: Introduction to Zombie Capitalism

Violent Geographies Lecture 11

Main Themes

• Zombie Capitalism: Introduces the concept of capitalism that resembles a zombie—dead but continuing to influence economic structures.

• Accumulation through Dispossession: Key mechanism by which wealth is generated in capitalist societies.

• Gothic Marxism: To be discussed in the following lecture.

Quotes

• Keston Sutherland: "Speculative constructions are a major, living part of social reality… This is not a joke for Marx. It is a social fact."

• Freud: “He did not know that he was dead…” highlights the disconnect in recognition of the capitalist system.

Page 2: Pyramid of Capitalism

The Industrial Worker

• Visual representations, slogans, and phrases illustrate the dynamics within capitalism and its hierarchical structure.

• Key Messages:

  • WE WORK FOR YOU: A proclamation emphasizing labor's role in sustaining the capitalist structure.

  • WE FOOL YOU: A critique of deceptive practices within capitalist systems.

Historical Context

• Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and Belgian Workers' Party highlight the class struggle and labor organization attempts in late 19th-early 20th century.

Page 3: Lecture Structure

Key Concepts Covered

• Capitalist Realism (Mark Fisher): A belief that capitalism is the only viable political-economic system.

• Zombie Neoliberalism (Colin Crouch, Jamie Peck): Examines the resilience of neoliberalism post-2008 financial crisis.

• Metaphorical Frameworks: Capital depicted as various entities (monster, vampire, zombie, cannibal) to explore its destructive nature.

Page 4: The Zombie Metaphor

Mark Fisher's Analysis

• Zombie as Metaphor: Describes neoliberalism's stagnation yet continued influence.

• Public Perception: People accept neoliberalism as the only option despite skepticism.

• Criitique Modes: Calls for various critiques of capitalist realism through ideological, rational, satirical, and surreal lenses.

• Deconstructive Approaches:

  • De-reifying: Questioning organizational structures.

  • De-fetishizing: Analyzing commodities.

  • De-mystifying: Examining reality.

Page 5: The Strange Non-Death of Neoliberalism

Analysis by Colin Crouch

• Post-2008 Neoliberalism: Neoliberalism resurfaces with increased power despite its apparent failures during the financial crisis.

• Age of Austerity: Public spending cuts are recast as necessary reforms, framed as essential for fiscal responsibility.

• Crisis Outcome: The 2008 crisis led to the reinvigoration of neoliberal frameworks rather than their collapse.

Page 6: The Triangular Confrontation

The Power Dynamics

• Market, State, Corporation: A triangle of influential forces shaping political realities.

• Crouch advocates for a 'fourth force'—civil society—to critique and challenge this power dynamic.

Page 7: Ambidextrous State and Neoliberalism

Jamie Peck's Perspective

The neoliberal State is ‘ambidextrous

• Neoliberal State: Holds dual roles where past welfare initiatives coexist with current austerity measures.

• Evolution from Welfare to Workfare: This transition highlights the shift in perceptions and policies regarding support for the underprivileged.

• Punitive Perception of the "Undeserving Poor": Emphasizes a growing societal narrative that stigmatizes those in need as undeserving, framing them as responsible for their circumstances.

• Describes the evolution from welfare to workfare emphasizing the punitive perception of the "undeserving poor."

• Exploiting crises has been a hallmark of neoliberal governance.

• The jaded and discredited project threatens to lurch haphazardly onward unless concerted political opposition blocks its path.

• There is a need for an alternative socio-political program to fill the vacuum.

• Neil Smith's concept of "dead but dominant" indicates that neoliberalism may have entered its zombie phase; the brain has ceased functioning while the limbs continue to move.

• The living dead of the free-market revolution continue to exist, though their movements are increasingly erratic.

Page 8: Capital as Monster

Characteristics of Capital

• Visualizes capital as an artificial life-form that leads to detrimental outcomes.

Page 9: Corporate Personhood

Historical Context of Corporations

• Transformed from collective human entities to legal persons with rights and privileges, while evading accountability for wrongdoings.

• UK Limited Partnership Act (1907): Recognized corporations as separate legal entities.

Page 10: Faustian Bargain of Development

Marshall Berman's Insights

• Goethe’s Faust illustrates the tragedy of progress as a necessary evil, embodying the peril of development without ethical consideration.

Page 11: Progress and Its Costs

Themes from Faust

Faustian Bargain of Development

• Marshall Berman's Insights:

  • Goethe’s Faust serves as a metaphor for progress, illustrating the concept that development is often a double-edged sword.

  • The character of Faust represents the ambition to strive for knowledge and power, ultimately leading to a tragic outcome.

• Themes:

  • The idea of progress as a necessary evil: while development can lead to advancements and improvements, it often comes with significant ethical and moral costs.

  • Faust’s journey raises critical questions about the trade-offs between ambition and morality in the quest for progress.

  • The peril of pursuing development without ethical consideration could lead to detrimental consequences for both humanity and the environment, mirroring the chaotic nature of capitalist development.

Marx on Capital

Creative Destruction

• Cyclical Nature of Capitalism: Marx and Engels explore the inherent dynamics of capitalism, emphasizing that it operates on a cyclical basis characterized by periods of growth and decline.

• Continuous Disruption and Reconstruction: As capitalism evolves, it tends to disrupt existing social structures, relations, and institutions, leading to significant transformations in society. This ongoing process of disruption is necessary for the regeneration and survival of the capitalist system.

• Mechanism of Creative Destruction: The concept of creative destruction refers to the way capitalism perpetuates itself through innovation and technological advancement.

  • Destruction of Old Structures: New technologies and methods of production render older technologies and social relations obsolete.

  • Creation of New Opportunities: While this process leads to the collapse of established entities, it simultaneously creates new economies, markets, and opportunities for growth.

• Societal Impact: The relentless cycle of creative destruction can lead to significant social upheaval, displacing workers and transforming labor patterns as industries evolve.

  • Alienation: Workers may experience alienation as they face job insecurity and the constant need to adapt to a rapidly changing labor market.

  • Class Struggle: These disruptions often exacerbate class struggles, as the disparities between capital owners and laborers widen due to the uneven distribution of wealth generated by new innovations.

• Marx's Critique: Marx critiques this cyclical nature, arguing that while capitalism innovates and grows, it also leads to suffering and exploitation among the working class. Ultimately, Marx suggests that such a system is unsustainable and laden with contradictions that may lead to its downfall.

Mephistopheles in Goethe's Faust

• Negation and Destruction:

  • "I am the spirit that negates all!" - Mephistopheles frames himself as the embodiment of negation, rejecting positivism and moral certainty.

  • This negation is integral to the nature of existence, where everything that comes into being inevitably faces decline.

• Tragic Metamorphoses of Faust:

  1. The Dreamer:

     • Initially, Faust embodies the Dreamer archetype, filled with yearning for a fuller, more meaningful existence.

     • His discontent with superficial knowledge drives him to seek deeper understanding and fulfillment beyond human limitations.

  2. The Lover of Humanity:

     • Throughout his pact with Mephistopheles, Faust evolves into the Lover of Humanity.

     • This transformation is marked by a commitment to altruism and empathy, showcasing personal growth stemming from his experiences.

     • Faust's journey reflects his struggle to navigate his desires while remaining conscious of his moral responsibilities.

  3. The Developer:

     • As the Developer, Faust seeks to build a better society, driven by his newfound understanding and power.

     • This idea is emblematic of figures like Baron Haussmann in Paris and Robert Moses in New York, who aimed to reshape urban landscapes.

     • Faust’s ambition leads to a duality of creation and destruction, illustrating the complexities of progress and the impact of human agency on societal evolution.

Page 13: Capital as Vampire

Extractive Nature of Capital

• Describes how capital perpetuates by exploiting living labor, thus symbolizing a parasitic relationship.

Capital as Zombie

Chris Harman's Views

• Transformation of Labor:

  • Capitalism is depicted as a system that transforms labor from a vital component of human activity into a detached and commodified force.

  • Workers become cogs in the machine, performing repetitive tasks that strip away their creativity and individuality.

  • This detachment leads to a disconnection from the fruits of their labor, as workers no longer see the direct impact of their efforts on the products or services being created.

• Systemic Alienation:

  • The transformation of labor contributes to systemic alienation, where workers feel estranged not only from the products of their labor but also from their own humanity.

  • Alienation manifests in various ways, including a lack of fulfillment in work, a sense of powerlessness, and disconnection from the community and society.

  • Workers often experience negative mental health outcomes as a result of this alienation, contributing to wider societal issues such as anxiety, depression, and discontent.

• Exploitation in Capitalist Systems:

  • Capitalism perpetuates exploitation by prioritizing profits over human well-being, driving a wedge between the interests of capital owners and laborers.

  • Harman highlights the inherent contradictions of capitalism: while it creates wealth and advancements, it does so through the systemic oppression of the working class.

  • The focus on profit maximization leads to competitive environments where workers are pitted against each other, further exacerbating inequality and exploitation.

• Zombie Metaphor:

  • The term "zombie" signifies that while capitalism may appear to be alive and thriving, it is fundamentally decaying; it operates without regard for the needs of the people it affects.

  • Like a zombie, capitalism persists in a state of disrepair, consuming labor and resources without offering genuine purpose or fulfillment to individuals.

• Implications for Society:

  • Harman's analysis calls for a reevaluation of capitalist structures and the need for transformative movements that prioritize human dignity over profit.

  • To combat the zombification of labor, there must be a collective effort to re-empower workers, emphasizing solidarity and humane practices in the workplace, creating a society where labor is not merely a means to an end but a source of fulfillment and identity.

Page 15: Analysis of Alienation

Living Dead of Capitalism

This concept presents capitalism metaphorically as a zombie system – an entity that appears alive while, in essence, it is fundamentally decaying. It operates in a state of neglect, disregarding the essential human needs of individuals and communities.

Key Aspects:

• Neglect of Human Needs: Capitalism is critiqued for prioritizing profit over the well-being of the populace. Essential services such as education, healthcare, and housing often fall victim to market forces that deprioritize human welfare in favor of capital gains.

• Generation of Chaos: The capitalist system, while dynamic, often leads to instability and unpredictability in economic markets. This chaos can manifest as financial crises, unemployment, and social dislocation, leaving many people grappling with economic hardship.

• Environmental Destruction: The relentless pursuit of profit under capitalist modes of production has severe ecological consequences. Natural resources are exploited without regard for sustainability or the long-term health of the planet, leading to pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

Broader Implications:

• Crisis of Meaning: As individuals become increasingly alienated from their own labor and the products they create, a crisis of meaning emerges. Workers often find themselves trapped in repetitive, unfulfilling jobs that do not reflect their creativity or contributions to society.

• Societal Inequality: The capitalist framework tends to exacerbate social and economic inequalities, creating a divide between those who own capital and those who sell their labor. This division undermines social cohesion, as marginalized groups struggle to meet basic needs.

• Calls for Transformation: Recognizing capitalism as a zombie system underscores the urgent need for transformative movements that can reorient economic structures towards more humane and sustainable practices. Advocates argue for a shift towards systems that value human dignity, community well-being, and ecological balance, challenging the status quo of capitalist exploitation.

In summary, the 'Living Dead of Capitalism' concept serves as a powerful critique of the capitalist system, urging society to confront its failures and consider deeper, systemic alternatives that genuinely address human and environmental needs.

Page 16: Capital as Cannibal

Abstract vs Concrete Labor

Karl Marx presents a critical distinction between concrete labor and abstract labor within his critique of political economy, which is essential in understanding the dynamics of capitalist production.

• Concrete Labor: Refers to the specific, tangible work performed by laborers that produces goods or services. This type of labor is characterized by its physical and qualitative aspects, emphasizing the skills, creativity, and individual forces employed in the act of production. Concrete labor creates real, usable products, such as manufacturing a chair or cultivating a field of crops. It embodies the individuality of the worker and reflects the unique contributions each person makes to the production process.

• Abstract Labor: In contrast, abstract labor represents the generalized, quantifiable form of labor within a capitalist context. It arises when labor is reduced to a common denominator—typically measured in terms of time or units of work, such as hours or days. This concept highlights labor's transformation into a mere commodity, stripping away its individualistic qualities. In capitalist systems, abstract labor is crucial for determining the value of goods based on the average social labor time required for their production. This abstraction serves the interests of capital accumulation as it emphasizes profit over the actual human experience of labor.

In Marx's analysis, the duality of labor forms suggests that under capitalism, workers become alienated from the products of their labor. They engage in abstract labor while losing connection to their unique contributions (concrete labor). Instead of being seen as individuals who craft products, workers are reduced to interchangeable parts within the capitalist machinery, where their labor is merely a means to generate capital.

This distinction also underscores the problem of labor commodification, where the essence and dignity of workers are compromised in the pursuit of economic efficiency and profit maximization. As capitalism thrives, the implications of this separation have profound effects on societal structures, relations, and the psyche of the workforce.

Page 17: Cannibalism of Labor

Labor as Consumable

This concept posits that wage labor reduces human effort and creativity to mere commodities within a capitalist framework, significantly distorting human dignity.

Key Points:

• Commodification of Labor: Workers are treated as interchangeable parts, diminishing their individuality and significance.

• Erosion of Human Dignity: Profit maximization often leads to neglect of workers' needs, resulting in job insecurity and lack of fulfillment.

• Social and Psychological Implications: The reduction of labor to an economic factor contributes to feelings of alienation and disconnection from work, impacting mental health and societal well-being.

• Exploitation vs. Value Creation: Laborers often experience exploitation, with their contributions yielding profits that benefit capital owners disproportionately.

• Resistance and Reclamation: Advocating for workers' rights can reclaim the dignity of labor, pushing for fair wages and better working conditions to empower the workforce.

In essence, the view of labor as consumable highlights the need for systemic change that prioritizes human dignity over profit in capitalist systems.

Page 18: Cannibalistic Critique of Capitalism

Keston Sutherland's Satire

Keston Sutherland critiques everyday consumption in capitalist markets as a form of cannibalism that dehumanizes workers.

Key Themes:

• Consumption as Cannibalism: Sutherland argues that relentless consumerism leads to treating individuals as commodities, eroding human dignity.

• Worker Dehumanization: Workers are seen as interchangeable parts of production, losing their individuality and creativity, resulting in diminished self-worth.

• Satirical Exposure: Through satire, Sutherland highlights the absurdities of a market-driven life where everyday actions reflect cannibalistic tendencies, fostering alienation and disconnection.

• Societal Implications: His critique questions the ethical frameworks of capitalism, urging a cultural shift that values human dignity over profit.

• Awareness and Resistance: Sutherland promotes awareness of labor exploitation and consumer habits as a means for individuals to reclaim dignity and advocate for social change.

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Page 19: Transfixed Society

Carnival and Cannibalism

This section explores the intriguing relationship between carnival culture and the underlying cannibalistic tendencies present in capitalist societies. It highlights how contemporary society exhibits a fixation on self-destruction and self-consumption, often masked by celebratory and festive environments.

• Carnival as a Metaphor: Carnival serves as a powerful metaphor for societal behavior, reflecting a temporary suspension of social norms where participants indulge in excess and hedonism. It is a time when the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur, allowing for cathartic expressions that ultimately challenge societal conventions.

• Self-Destruction and Consumption: Within this festive context, self-consumption manifests in various forms, including overindulgence in consumer goods, prioritization of immediate gratification, and engagement in harmful practices that detract from well-being. This cyclical pattern mirrors the capitalist drive, where individuals are encouraged to consume excessively, leading to a cycle of exploitation and alienation.

• Critique of Capitalist Structures: The carnival's chaotic nature serves as a critique of capitalist systems that prioritize profit over human dignity and well-being. In this regard, the act of consuming is likened to a form of cannibalism, where the relentless pursuit of consumption dehumanizes individuals and strips them of their agency.

• Cultural Implications: The societal implications of this phenomenon are profound, as the pressure to conform to consumption norms leads to emotional, psychological, and social ramifications. Individuals often become trapped in a cycle of superficiality and disconnection, exacerbating feelings of alienation and existential despair.

• Resistance and Reclamation: Amidst this critique, there lies an opportunity for resistance. By acknowledging the consumption-driven nature of carnival culture, individuals can push back against these destructive tendencies and advocate for a more mindful and humane approach to existence that values connection and community over blind consumerism.

In sum, the interplay of carnival and cannibalism illustrates the darker aspects of modern capitalist societies, calling for a critical examination of our consumption habits and an exploration of how to foster authenticity and human dignity within an increasingly commodified world.

Page 20: The End of Capitalism?

Speculations on Future Scenarios

This section delves into the complexities and challenges of envisioning viable alternatives to capitalism. As we critique the current capitalist framework's failures, we must navigate the risks associated with proposing new systems. One significant concern is the potential drift toward neofeudalism, a situation where social structures resemble those of feudal societies, characterized by a rigid hierarchy and limited social mobility. In such scenarios, power becomes concentrated in the hands of a few, while the vast majority endure economic precarity and dependency on elite classes for their livelihoods.

Key considerations include:

• Power Dynamics: The potential re-emergence of a class structure that privileges wealth accumulation and inheritance over meritocracy and innovation.

• Access to Resources: In a neofeudal framework, resources may become increasingly commodified, with access tightly controlled by a few elites who can dictate terms of existence for the broader public, thereby perpetuating inequality.

• Social Mobility: The dangers of reduced social mobility highlight how individuals might find themselves trapped in socioeconomic conditions reminiscent of the past, lacking opportunities for advancement.

• Cultural Implications: We must also examine how cultural values and shared understandings can shape perceptions of power and community in this potential future, perhaps leading to a society less inclined toward collective well-being and more focused on individual survival.

• Environmental Sustainability: Lastly, the need for transitioning to sustainable practices must not be overlooked. Alternatives to capitalism must address ecological crises, aiming to foster systems that prioritize environmental stewardship over short-term profit.

In conclusion, while speculating on future scenarios, there is a critical imperative to explore paths that ensure equitable resource distribution, enhance social mobility, and cultivate a culture of belonging and sustainability, as opposed to a regression into feudal-like conditions that would stifle human potential and dignity.