The subjects who have never been historical – a criticism to eurocentric marxism

Authors

  • João Aldeia Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra
  • Elísio Estanque Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5007/1807-1384.2011v8n1p34

Abstract

Despite its limitations, classical Marxism remains an essential theory for the critical understanding of contemporaneity. However, some of its assumptions are unsustainable. Starting from a constructive criticism of Marxism, namely of its Eurocentered nature, this article attempts to deconstruct the notion of the proletariat as historical subject, considering it empirically unverifiable. If there are no groups destined to lead the process of socio-historical change, the real emancipation of the oppressed of the world has necessarily to articulate the struggles of the working classes with those of all the other dominated groups in the world-system.

Author Biographies

João Aldeia, Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra

Mestrando em Sociologia pela Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra (FEUC), licenciado em sociologia na mesma instituição, em Portugal.

Elísio Estanque, Faculdade de Economia da Universidade de Coimbra

Doutor em Sociologia pela Universidade de Coimbra (UC). Sociólogo especializado em questões de trabalho, sindicalismo, desigualdades, movimentos e classes sociais. Professor do departamento de Sociologia da FEUC e investigador no Centro de Estudos Sociais (CES) da UC, Portugal.

Published

2011-07-11

Issue

Section

Articles