--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: [I]n so far as postmodern politics…" description: "\"“[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 sus..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7db/slavoj-i-ek-1738_class-struggle_i-n-so-far-as-postmodern-politics-involv_681664.png" --- # \[I\]n so far as postmodern politics involves a… ![“[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/i/7db/slavoj-i-ek-1738_class-struggle_i-n-so-far-as-postmodern-politics-involv_681664.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7db/slavoj-i-ek-1738_class-struggle_i-n-so-far-as-postmodern-politics-involv_681664.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7db/slavoj-i-ek-1738_class-struggle_i-n-so-far-as-postmodern-politics-involv_681664.png) > ““\[I\]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.”” [Slavoj Žižek](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/slavoj-i-ek/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. 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. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Class struggle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/class-struggle/) [Identity politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity-politics/) [Marxism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marxism/) [Political theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/political-theory/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Postmodernism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/postmodernism/) [Racism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/racism/) ## Related quotes > [Possibly the defining development of postmodern politics - naturally, an American one - is the separation of personality from ideology. 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