Traditionally within Marxist thought, there are two major classes, the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, or workers and capitalists. Within these two classes, however, there are many strata — and in this episode we take a deep dive into one particular stratum. The professional managerial class, or the PMC, is comprised of highly educated, often centrist or liberal leaning individuals who tend to uphold the systems and institutions of capitalist society while at the same time viewing itself as the virtuous vanguard of progress. And although this class falls within the working class, its allegiances and sympathies lie with capitalists. And indeed, in most ways, it does benefit from capitalism. To discuss the professional managerial class and its position within capitalism further, we’ve brought on someone who’s written an entire book about it. Catherine Liu is a professor of Film & Media Studies at UC Irvine and author of Virtue Hoarders: The Case Against the Professional Managerial Class. In this conversation we discuss who the PMC is comprised of, how this class emerged, and why it poses a unique threat to socialist and communist aspirations.  This episode of Upstream was made possible with support from listeners like you. Upstream is a labor of love — we couldn't keep this project going without the generosity of our listeners and fans. Please consider chipping in a one-time or recurring donation at www.upstreampodcast.org/support If your organization wants to sponsor one of our upcoming documentaries, we have a number of sponsorship packages available. Find out more at upstreampodcast.org/sponsorship For more from Upstream, visit www.upstreampodcast.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Bluesky. You can also subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

Catherine Liu, a professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine and author of "Virtue Hoarders," dissects the Democratic Party's ties to the Professional Managerial Class (PMC) following Kamala Harris's defeat. She explores how the PMC perpetuates class inequalities and critiques the party's disconnect from working-class issues. Liu also addresses the dangers of superficial branding in politics, data-driven strategies that neglect healthcare, and the necessity for the left to authentically engage with tangible voter concerns amidst rising economic insecurities.

Catherine Liu, a professor at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' critiques the professional managerial class and its disconnection from the working class. They discuss how the PMC, despite claiming to champion progress, often sidelines genuine worker needs in favor of superficial activism. Liu addresses the Democratic Party’s failures, the erosion of progressive ideals, and the need for unions to resist capitalism. Additionally, they explore the tensions between modern feminism and actual empowerment, advocating for community activism to bridge the disconnect.

Catherine Liu, a professor at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' dives into the failures of the contemporary Left. She critiques the Professional Managerial Class's disconnect from working-class interests and explores the pitfalls of vulnerability in politics. Liu discusses how 'wokeism' complicates discourse in academia, emphasizing the need for strong, collective ambitions over narrow individual grievances. Additionally, she tackles moral relativism and the implications of elitism in social justice movements, advocating for genuine engagement with marginalized voices.

Catherine Liu, a prominent cultural theorist and author, dives deep into the complexities of trauma culture and its links to the professional-managerial class. She critiques how personal suffering is often commodified, particularly in the context of capitalism. Liu examines historical and contemporary trauma narratives, highlighting the intersection of personal and collective experiences. She also warns against the infantilization in political discourse and advocates for maturity in conversations about trauma, challenging societal norms and the therapeutic industry's limitations.