Gret summary of Wallerstein'a WS - as in the first chapter of your Cuba book - which I assign to my IR theories course here in Moscow.
One question, though, Charles:
You write "The core-peripheral relation creates and reproduces two different realities: the core with its culture of consumerism, materialism, and individualism; and the periphery, where the basic democratic rights of access to adequate nutrition, housing, education, and health care are denied on a large scale, giving rise to a popular culture of social struggle and solidarity."
But it seems to me, at least from my observations, that this same materialist consumer culture now also pervades the periphery these days, reducing its revolutionary consciousness and potential. I saw evidence of this even in Cuba. This is perhaps where we need to turn to Gramsci and Frankfurt school theorizing to supplement WS. Capitalism also creates a seductive ideology and culture that manages to get the consent of many of those it exploits most ruthlessly.
How to avoid the pernicious effects of this materialist-consumer culture without stifling peoples' freedom and creativity?
Thank for your observations, Andrej. You are right. The consumerist materialist culture of the core penetrates the periphery, even in Cuba. And the theorizing of Gramsci and the Frankfurt school are relevant, but their formulations are not well connected to Cuba practical reality. Cuba deals with the problem in two ways. First, Cuba makes some reasonable concessions to the materialist mentality, as is illustrated in the current social and economic model, which seeks to build a “prosperous” socialism. Secondly, Cuba has formulated a patriotic narrative that ties the Cuban socialist project to universal human values, supported by all sectors, including the Party, the government, the media, and the educational system. They have the problem contained, and I believe they will ultimately prevail, especially if their exceptional gains in medical research are recognized globally.
Gret summary of Wallerstein'a WS - as in the first chapter of your Cuba book - which I assign to my IR theories course here in Moscow.
One question, though, Charles:
You write "The core-peripheral relation creates and reproduces two different realities: the core with its culture of consumerism, materialism, and individualism; and the periphery, where the basic democratic rights of access to adequate nutrition, housing, education, and health care are denied on a large scale, giving rise to a popular culture of social struggle and solidarity."
But it seems to me, at least from my observations, that this same materialist consumer culture now also pervades the periphery these days, reducing its revolutionary consciousness and potential. I saw evidence of this even in Cuba. This is perhaps where we need to turn to Gramsci and Frankfurt school theorizing to supplement WS. Capitalism also creates a seductive ideology and culture that manages to get the consent of many of those it exploits most ruthlessly.
How to avoid the pernicious effects of this materialist-consumer culture without stifling peoples' freedom and creativity?
Thank for your observations, Andrej. You are right. The consumerist materialist culture of the core penetrates the periphery, even in Cuba. And the theorizing of Gramsci and the Frankfurt school are relevant, but their formulations are not well connected to Cuba practical reality. Cuba deals with the problem in two ways. First, Cuba makes some reasonable concessions to the materialist mentality, as is illustrated in the current social and economic model, which seeks to build a “prosperous” socialism. Secondly, Cuba has formulated a patriotic narrative that ties the Cuban socialist project to universal human values, supported by all sectors, including the Party, the government, the media, and the educational system. They have the problem contained, and I believe they will ultimately prevail, especially if their exceptional gains in medical research are recognized globally.
just want you to know, I am enjoying reading your postings. Will comment soon, as school and grading is done.
Thank you for your message. I look forward to your comments.