Novara FM: Is This What Neofeudalism Looks Like? w/ Jodi Dean
Mar 20, 2025
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Jodi Dean, a political theorist and author of "Capital's Grave: Neo-Feudalism and the New Class Struggle," dives deep into the current shift towards a neo-feudal system. She discusses the rise of a servant vanguard and the implications of gig economy dynamics. Dean highlights the stark contrasts of labor in today's economy and advocates for a reevaluation of centralized power. She also explores hinterlandization, shedding light on social rifts between urban centers and their declining areas, and champions the idea of service workers as key players in ushering change.
Jodi Dean argues that our current socio-economic system, characterized by wealth concentration and fragmented power, can be aptly termed 'neofeudalism'.
The rise of neofeudalism reflects a shift from traditional capitalism to a system reliant on extraction rather than productive labor and commodity production.
The service sector, representing a growing majority of the workforce, is seen as a potential leader in organizing collective action against neofeudal structures.
Deep dives
The Transformation of Capitalism
Current trends suggest capitalism is evolving into a new framework that resembles earlier systems of feudalism more than traditional industrial capitalism. The notion of neo-feudalism is introduced as a way to understand this shift, characterized by a fragmented political power structure where wealth is concentrated among a small elite while the majority face precarious living conditions. This change is exemplified by the digital economy's rise and the control exerted by investment firms, where individuals rent back their necessities at inflated costs. The implications of this transformation raise questions about whether we are witnessing the end of capitalism or merely a new phase of its evolution.
Neo-Feudalism versus Classical Capitalism
The current socio-economic structure is posited as being fundamentally different from classical capitalism, particularly in how wealth and power are organized. Neo-feudalism is framed as a system where success is derived not from productive activities but from extraction and appropriation, akin to historical feudal systems that relied on serfdom. This characterization shifts the focus from traditional productive labor to the dynamics of investment and accumulation, highlighting a dependency on rental income rather than commodity production. The notion that capitalism might not merely adapt but could transform into a different system calls for a reevaluation of how we perceive labor and class relations in contemporary society.
Understanding Neo-Feudal Dynamics
Neo-feudalism is described through several defining features such as the fragmentation of sovereignty, the emergence of new class divisions, and the impact of digital and service economies. The concept emphasizes that power dynamics are no longer centralized in the nation-state but are dispersed across private corporations and wealth holders, often resulting in stark inequalities. The rise of social property relations, where tech lords benefit at the expense of a growing class of service workers, reinforces this divide. Additionally, the constant state of anxiety and instability characterizing current life reflects deeper socio-economic fractures that bear resemblance to historical feudal societies.
Implications for Class Struggle
In contemplating the future of class struggle, the service sector is identified as the potential agent of change, drawing parallels between historical labor movements and contemporary struggles. Just as the industrial working class once galvanized revolutionary movements, the service workforce today represents the majority of workers globally and holds significant organizing potential. As service roles increasingly dominate the labor market, understanding their dynamics may unlock opportunities for collective action and transformation away from neo-feudal systems. This perspective recognizes the agency within these roles and the crucial need for organized efforts to reshape socio-economic relationships.
Reimagining Political Organization
The landscape of political organization is challenged by the dynamics of neo-feudalism, as traditional centralized structures may prove less effective in a fragmented political environment. The evolving role of political parties and their strategies must adapt to the realities of dispersed power and localized movements, emphasizing the importance of global alliances and collaborations among various interest groups. Historical lessons from past movements illustrate how parties can build strength not merely by seizing state power but through solidarity and grassroots organization. By reassessing what it means to be politically engaged in a neo-feudal context, new pathways for collective resistance and possibility can emerge.
After capitalism comes communism, according to Marxist doctrine. But in the meantime, what should we call our increasingly unequal system? Political theorist Jodi Dean posits ‘neofeudalism’ as the best way to describe our growing society of serfs and servants in her new book, Capital’s Grave. She talks to Eleanor Penny about a vision of class […]
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