A Marxist Theory of Ideology

This work explores the question of defining ideology from a Marxist perspective. Advancing beyond the schemas of discussion presented in current Marxist literature, the author offers an account of how the concept of ideology should be defined and what role it plays within historical materialism. Through a close reading of Karl Marxs relevant writings, this volume demonstrates that while there is no coherent, single account of ideology in Marxs work, his materialist framework can be reconstructed in a defensible and non-deterministic way. The definition of ideology presented is then articulated through a close reading of Antonio Gramscis Prison Notebooks. Efforts are also made to demonstrate that Gramscis interpretation of historical materialism is indeed consistent and compatible with Marxs. A systematic articulation of a theory of ideology that combines the works of Marx and Gramsci, as well as adding elements of Pierre Bourdieus social theory and William Jamess psychology, this volume will appeal to scholars of social and political theory with interests in political economy and Marxist thought.