Call for SmxS membership

  The Section on Marxist Sociology

BEFORE the term “holistic” was used to signify an approach that analyzed
processes within their broader contexts,

BEFORE postmodernists began to critically challenge the narrow,
mechanical, one-dimensionality of capitalist social science,

BEFORE postmodernism was even a style of architecture ! ,

Marxism, in the broad tradition of critical thinking, was using the
dialectical method of questioning, of analzying processes  both in terms
of their broader social context and in terms of their multi-dimensional
ever-changing inner dynamics.

The Section on Marxist Sociology (SMxS) is not a narrowly focused group
that mechanically applies Marxist rhetoric to complex sociological
issues. The Section on Marxist Sociology consists of a membership that
is interested in examining how insights from Marxist methodology and
Marxist analysis can help explain the complex dynamics of modern society
in all its dimensions: political, economic, military, cultural, even
interpersonal. You don’t have to “be a Marxist” to be a member of the
SMxS. Furthermore, within the Marxist tradition, and within the SMxS,
one finds replicated almost the entire range of debate that one finds
within social science in general, especially as relates to the
fundamental questions of emphasis on social structure versus individual
choice and action. Insights from Marxism are relevant to those studying
all social issues, from education to gender relations, from
stratification to race-ethnic relations, from substance abuse to
international political economy to the criminal justice system to
technology.

What, then, is distinctive about Marxist approaches? How is it different
from other approaches? What can someone with substantive interests get
from interacting with Marxist sociology that they can’t get from just
doing research and reading in their own particular substantive area?

Few in the Marxist tradition today adhere to the shallow stereotype so
prevalent in the mainstream that Marxists follow a simplistic, narrow
economic interpretation of all social questions. On the other hand,
Marxist analysis is particularly sensitive to analyzing which interest
groups may be influencing certain social developments, and how they
exert that influence. Marxist analysis goes beyond simple psychological
reductionism such as “They do it because they want to do it, or because
it gives them a good feeling in their brain to feel power.”  The impact
of class, of economic factors, not just the simple exchange of money,
but rather the complex processes that affect the control of labor, of
human action, that produces alienation in all its forms, is an important
interest to many in the Marxist tradition, but again, how much weight is
given to different factors and how those factors interact will always be
a matter for investigation and debate.  Finally, most in the Marxist
sociological tradition believe that theory must come from understanding
the world, rather than from dogma, and many are activists, working with
various groups against the depredations of modern capitalist society
such as imperialism, racism, sexist oppression, abusive, alienating
culture, and general issues of working class support.

What does the SMxS offer?  In addition to helping broaden one’s
analytical approach, the SMxS also offers a cohesive group of
sociologists with a particular interest in participating in work that
helps liberate society in a real sense as well as deepening theoretical
understanding of society. It also offers a supportive setting for
younger sociologists to interact with others as they seek to develop
their own research and hone their teaching skills and can provide
bibliographic resources and syllabi. The SMxS organizes several sessions
each year at the ASA, as well as a large roundtable session that offers
dozens of opportunities for those with particular interests, especially
younger sociologists and grad students, to have the experience of
presenting a paper at the ASA. The SMxS also gives an annual award to an
outstanding graduate student paper and to an outstanding book. Finally,
the SMxS provides a supportive network, providing feedback and
suggestions on both research and teaching. There is no Marxist “Old Boy
Network” to guarantee job placement (!), but many in the SMxS are
sensitive to the particular problems that sociologists with a critical
perspective face when entering the mainstream employment market, and
SMxS provides a way for critical sociologists to build ties among others
with similar interests and perspectives.

If you are interested, joining is easy.  In addition to ASA dues, the
section dues for SMxS membership are $12/year for regularly employed;
$10/year for lower income, and $7/year for graduate students. First time
grad student members can have this fee waived if they so desire.
Membership will bring several newsletters/year and open opportunities to
interact with hundreds of others who have a particular interest in
studying the dynamics of oppression and in working to use sociology to
help change the world.  In 2000, the Section on Marxist Sociology will
have most of its activities on Sunday, including two sessions and
roundtable sessions. Graduate students are especially encouraged to
submit both to the Award program and to the sessions and roundtables. In
addition, the SMxS will probably co-sponsor a reception with other
sections, and there will probably also be a section party.  If you would
like to join the section, send the fee with a note to the ASA, or send
an e-mail to the current chair, Stephanie Shanks-Meile at
SocSteph@aol.com  immediately. If the SMxS can get 40 more members by
September 20, we will be able to hold a third session, and more
important, help build the network to ensure that critical sociology in
the broad tradition of Marxism will continue to play an important role
in the development of social theory and praxis.


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