Marxism, Modernity and Postcolonial Studies

Marxism, Modernity and Postcolonial Studies provides a specifically Marxist intervention into postcolonial and cultural studies.

Crystal Bartolovich (Edited by), Neil Lazarus (Edited by)

9780521890595, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 July 2002

304 pages
21.8 x 14 x 1.7 cm, 0.355 kg

'… a recent addition to the excellent Cultural Margins series … Giovanni Arrighi begins with an illuminating historical account of East Asia that unsettles discrete, developmental models of European capitalism … In what is a compelling account of Eurocentrism, Lasarus argues the West has no singular or unified referent, that it is ideological rather than a geographic site. In forwarding anti-Eurocentric projects, postcolonial critics have turned Europe into a fetish … The disavowal of Marxism within postcolonial studies is misguided, Lazarus argues, through a nuanced critique of Deipesh Chakrabarty … Other valuable contributions to the volume include Joe Cleary's lucid reassessment of the relationship between Ireland and postcolonial studies and Timothy Brennan's fascinating exploration of the pre-history of 'theory' in the interwar period. As a whole, [the book] helps to further both postcolonial and Marxist theoretical debates. More significantly, however, it contributes to our understanding of the relationship between them.' Year's Work in Critical and Cultural Theory

At a time when even much of the political left seems to believe that transnational capitalism is here to stay, Marxism, Modernity and Postcolonial Studies refuses to accept the inevitability of the so-called 'New World Order'. By giving substantial attention to topics such as globalisation, racism, and modernity, it provides a specifically Marxist intervention into postcolonial and cultural studies. An international team of contributors locate a common ground of issues engaging Marxist and postcolonial critics alike. Arguing that Marxism is not the inflexible, monolithic irrelevance some critics assume it to be, this collection aims to open avenues of debate - especially on the crucial concept of 'modernity' - which have been closed off by the widespread neglect of Marxist analysis in postcolonial studies. Politically focused, at times polemical and always provocative, this book is a major contribution to contemporary debates on literary theory, cultural studies, and the definition of postcolonial studies.

Introduction Crystal Bartolovich
Part I. Eurocentrism, 'The West', and the World: 1. The rise of East Asia and the withering away of the interstate system Giovanni Arrighi
2. The fetish of 'the West' in postcolonial studies Neil Lazarus
3. The Eurocentric Marx and Engles and other related myths August Nimtz
4. Karl Marx, Eurocentrism, and the 1857 revolt in British India Pranav Jani
Part II. Locating Modernity: 5. Liberation theory: variations on themes of Marxism and modernity Benita Parry
6. Misplaced ideas? Locating and dislocating Ireland in colonial and postcolonial studies Joe Cleary
7. Sex, space and modernity in the work of Rashid Jahan, Angareywali Priya Gopal
8. Was there a time before race? Capitalist modernity and the origins of racism Helen Scott
Part III. Marxism, Postcolonial Studies and 'Theory': 9. Postcolonialism and the problematic of uneven development E. San Juan
10. Marxism, postcolonialism and The Eighteenth Brumaire Neil Larsen
11. Postcolonial studies between the European wars: an intellectual history Timothy Brennan
12. Adorno, authenticity, critique Keya Ganguly.

Subject Areas: Political science & theory [JPA], Cultural studies [JFC], Literary theory [DSA]