Jacobin Radio
Behind the News: Tech Worker Militancy w/ Ben Tarnoff
Mar 10, 2025
Ben Tarnoff, a writer focusing on the tech industry, discusses the rise of tech worker militancy and the backlash from corporate leaders. He highlights how younger workers are challenging the status quo. Jody Dean, a political science professor and author of 'Capital's Grave,' delves into neo-feudalism, analyzing the implications of this evolving economic structure. Together, they explore the cultural and political shifts within Silicon Valley and the precarious nature of modern labor, revealing a deepening psychological landscape influenced by increasing anxieties.
53:01
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of tech worker militancy highlights a significant shift in attitudes towards capitalism, with younger employees increasingly adopting Marxist ideologies that unsettle executives.
- The concept of neo-feudalism serves as a critical lens to analyze the evolving class relations and hierarchical structures resulting from wealth concentration in the tech industry.
Deep dives
Silicon Valley's Political Shift
Silicon Valley's political landscape has undergone a significant transformation, particularly influenced by the rise of collective actions opposing the Trump administration. High-profile figures like Mark Andreessen express concern over younger workers' Marxist ideologies, indicating a shift from capitalism’s prior acceptance as beneficial to an outright rejection. This discontent manifested in collective actions during Trump's presidency, which unsettled many executives and encouraged a rightward shift among tech leaders. Andreessen described these new employees as potentially intent on undermining companies from within, reflecting a deeper anxiety regarding the evolving political attitudes of the tech workforce.
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