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, professor of film and media studies at UC Irvine, visits the podcast to discuss Phillip Guston, the PMC and cultural institutions. She is the author of Virtue Hoarders (2021). https://cliuanon.substack.com/ https://twitter.com/bureaucatliu https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/virtue-hoarders

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,' dives deep into the evolution of trauma studies and critiques the professional managerial class. She explores how media shapes our narratives of trauma while shedding light on the disconnect between elitist academies and working-class politics. Liu discusses the allure of far-right ideologies and the surprising rise of humor in leftist politics, as well as the challenges faced by social movements in a neoliberal context. Her insights reveal the complexities of modern identity and class dynamics.

Catherine Liu, a Professor of Film and Media Studies at UC Irvine and author of 'Virtue Hoarders,' engages in a lively discussion about her political evolution as a Chinese-American scholar. She critiques the left's failings, emphasizing the need for systemic change in feminism and class struggles. Liu highlights the dissonance in political authenticity and the Democratic Party's missteps, particularly regarding voter dynamics. Her insights on the intersections of trauma, capitalism, and the importance of open dialogue make for an enlightening conversation.