Class struggle Quote by Slavoj Žižek
![“[I]n so far as postmodern politics involves a '[t]heoretical retreat from the problem of domination within capitalism,' it is here, in this silent suspension of class analysis, that we are dealing with an exemplary case of the mechanism of ideological displacement: when class antagonism is…” quote by Slavoj Žižek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7db/slavoj-i-ek-1738_class-struggle_i-n-so-far-as-postmodern-politics-involv_681664.jpg)
““[I]n so far as postmodern politics involves a '[t]heoretical retreat from the problem of domination within capitalism,' it is here, in this silent suspension of class analysis, that we are dealing with an exemplary case of the mechanism of ideological displacement: when class antagonism is disavowed, when its key structuring role is suspended, 'other markers of social difference may come to bear an inordinate weight; indeed, they may bear all the weight of the sufferings produced by capitalism in addition to that attributable to the explicitly politicized marking.' In other words, this displacement accounts for the somewhat 'excessive' way the discourse of postmodern identity politics insists on the horrors of sexism, racism, and so on - this 'excess' comes from the fact that these other '-isms' have to bear the surplus-investment from the class struggle whose extent is not acknowledged.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Postmodern Politics and Ideological Displacement, 2015
Postmodern identity politics often masks class struggle by overemphasizing other differences, leading to a displaced focus that neglects capitalism’s core role.
In simple terms: Identity politics can hide class issues.
Key Takeaway
Recognize class analysis in social critiques.
Themes
class analysis
identity politics
ideology
capitalism
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political debate
- academic seminars
- activist meetings
Key Concepts
theoretical retreat
social hierarchy
political discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we integrate class analysis with identity concerns?
- What are the dangers of overemphasizing non‑class differences?
A Different Perspective
May overlook material economic causes of oppression.
![“[John] Adams identified himself with the political theories of [James] Harrington, [John] Locke, and [Charles-Louis] Montesquieu, whose ideas of constitutionalism, he believed, were applicable to all peoples everywhere; they were his contribution to what he called "the divine science of politics."” quote by Gordon S. Wood](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c71/gordon-s-wood-13199_constitutionalism_john-adams-identified-himself-with-the-p_226327.jpg)
