Single Idea 22853

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 11. Capitalism]

Full Idea

Wage earners consent to capitalist organisation of society when they act as if they could improve their material conditions within the confines of capitalism.

Gist of Idea

Anyone who thinks capitalism can improve their lives is endorsing capitalism

Source

Steven Lukes (Power: a Radical View (2nd ed) [2005], Intro)

Book Reference

Lukes,Steven: 'Power: a radical view' [Macmillan 2005], p.9


A Reaction

[He is citing Przeworski 1985] Not plausible as it stands. Does a prisoner who tries to improve their life within a hideous prison thereby endorse the prison system? In Auschwitz? Slaves can go along with the system for years, then suddenly rebel.