David Harveyâs Value Theory: A Critique of Marxism as Political Economy
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Abstract
This article critically assesses David Harveyâs work in relation to Marxâs critique of political economy. Drawing upon and contributing to recent development of Marxâs critique of political economy as a critical social theory, I argue fundamental problems emerge with the way Harvey conceives of economic categories such as value, money, and capital. This is because he continues to read Marxâs work as radical political economy rather than its critique. Significant theoretical and political consequences follow. Harveyâs standpoint remains traditional, affirming both labour and the labourer in opposition to capital. This presents a theory that, while ostensibly dedicated to combatting capitalist social domination, nevertheless affirms rather than negates the essential moment of that domination. On these grounds, Harveyâs theory of financialisation presents a truncated critique of capital, one-sidedly fixated on abolishing certain forms of its appearance while leaving others intact.
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David Harveyâs Value Theory: A Critique of Marxism as Political Economy
In: Historical MaterialismSearch for other papers by Benjamin Tetler in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This article critically assesses David Harveyâs work in relation to Marxâs critique of political economy. Drawing upon and contributing to recent development of Marxâs critique of political economy as a critical social theory, I argue fundamental problems emerge with the way Harvey conceives of economic categories such as value, money, and capital. This is because he continues to read Marxâs work as radical political economy rather than its critique. Significant theoretical and political consequences follow. Harveyâs standpoint remains traditional, affirming both labour and the labourer in opposition to capital. This presents a theory that, while ostensibly dedicated to combatting capitalist social domination, nevertheless affirms rather than negates the essential moment of that domination. On these grounds, Harveyâs theory of financialisation presents a truncated critique of capital, one-sidedly fixated on abolishing certain forms of its appearance while leaving others intact.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 3767 | 3768 | 88 |
| Full Text Views | 236 | 236 | 9 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 604 | 604 | 24 |
