Culture, Power and Politics » Podcast What’s Feudal About ‘Technofeudalism’? With Eleanor Janega
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Jul 4, 2025 
Eleanor Janega, a medieval historian and author, dives into the intriguing concept of 'technofeudalism.' She explores how modern economic structures echo historical feudalism, dissecting labor dynamics, social hierarchies, and the evolution of economic obligations. Janega critiques flawed analogies between gig workers and serfs, emphasizing the complexities of contemporary labor conditions. The conversation also touches on the roles of political power and land ownership in shaping modern capitalism, urging listeners to rethink their understanding of both history and economic systems.
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Feudalism Is Oversimplified Myth
- Feudalism as a rigid pyramid system was rare and overly simplistic.
- Medieval socioeconomic structures were more complex and varied widely by region.
Medieval Serfs Had Rights
- Most medieval Europeans were peasants, many unfree but had customary rights.
- Serfs owed labor and rent but received protections and land inheritance rights in return.
Surplus Funded War and Church
- Much medieval surplus was spent on warfare and church, not personal luxury.
- Nobility's power related to fighting and ransom, underscoring different surplus use than capitalism.