Lily Geismer, a historian at Claremont McKenna College, and Brent Cebul from the University of Pennsylvania delve into the intricacies of professional-class liberalism as explored in their collection, Mastery and Drift. They discuss how the PMC has shaped contemporary politics, including trends from the Clinton and Obama eras to the rise of populism. With insights on the tension between expert-driven policies and grassroots movements, they critique the reliance on philanthropy over public solutions. The conversation offers a historical lens on labor, activism, and the changing face of liberalism.
The podcast explores how professional-class liberalism emerges from the PMC's ambivalent role as both capitalist enforcers and societal critics.
It highlights the disconnect between the professional class and grassroots political movements, with a tendency toward technocracy rather than direct engagement.
The discussion critiques the dualistic nature of philanthropy in governance, often sidelining democratic accountability in favor of elite-driven solutions.
Deep dives
Understanding Professional Class Liberalism
Professional class liberalism, as examined in discussions by prominent historians, refers to a political tendency originating from the professional managerial class (PMC) which informs modern liberalism. This class consists of educated professionals like lawyers, doctors, and academics who do not own production means but serve to sustain capitalist dynamics and cultural reproduction. The discussions draw on insights from Barbara and John Ehrenreich, who critiqued the PMC's dual nature as both enforcers of capitalist order and potential critics of it, underpinning their contradictory position within society. The liberalism of influential figures, like those from the Clinton and Obama eras, emerges significantly from this demographic, influencing how political and economic strategies are developed and deployed in contemporary governance.
The Disconnect with Mass Politics
The podcast highlights a critical disconnect between the professional class and mass political movements, traced back to the 1960s. Although many professionals shared ideals with movements such as civil rights, their approach often leaned towards technocracy rather than grassroots organization, leading to a preference for regulatory solutions over direct political activism. This results in an inclination to view mass political engagement with skepticism, culminating in a reliance on elite expertise instead of collective action from diverse social movements. This detachment from the electorate contributes to the modern liberal establishment's challenges in effectively mobilizing support as demonstrated in contemporary political dynamics.
Philanthropy's Role in Liberal Governance
The role of philanthropy in shaping professional class liberalism is a discussed theme, with an emphasis on its dualistic nature in governance. Philanthropic ventures emerged as a means to address social issues, often bypassing traditional state functions, leading to questions about democratic accountability. While these initiatives are framed as efficient alternatives to government programs, they frequently result in a lack of community input and can perpetuate class disparities. The inability of philanthropic organizations to engage with community-driven demands points to a broader critique of how professional liberals prefer private sector solutions, further distancing themselves from substantial political engagement.
Technocracy and Governance
Discussions illustrate how a technocratic approach has come to dominate liberal governance, emphasizing efficiency and market-based solutions over transparency and public accountability. This perspective encourages a consequential shift in how services and social goods are delivered, often framing them in terms of market-based transactions rather than collective rights. This reliance on technocracy tends to alienate the very constituents that liberal policies aim to serve, generating further discontent within the electorate. By focusing on expert-driven governance, modern liberalism risks overshadowing participatory democracy and the substantive rights of individuals.
Historical Roots and Future Implications
The historical evolution of the professional managerial class and its political implications are crucial for understanding today's challenges within liberal politics. As discussed, the PMC's development has often been characterized by an ambivalent relationship with the working class, which complicates their role in advocating for broader social justice. The tensions seen in contemporary politics reflect not only the emergence of new political actors but also the limitations of existing power structures. This suggests a potential for reimagining liberal strategies that better align with a broader spectrum of social movements, inspired by previous grassroots initiatives that aim for structural change.
Brent Cebul and Lily Geismer, editors of the new collection Mastery and Drift, discuss professional-class liberalism. Plus: a brief reprise of a 2019 interview with Gabriel Winant about the PMC.
Behind the News, hosted by Doug Henwood, covers the worlds of economics and politics and their complex interactions, from the local to the global. Find the archive online: https://www.leftbusinessobserver.com/radio.html
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