Marx in the Field

Marx in the Field is a unique edited collection that demonstrates the relevance of the Marxian method to study contemporary capitalism and the global development process. Essays in the collection bring Marx to the field in three ways: illustrating how Marxian categories can be concretely deployed for field research, adapting them during fieldwork, and discussing data collection methods supporting Marxian analysis. The volume defines the possibilities and challenges of fieldwork by Marxian analysis, including those emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic, and takes a global approach to the study of development and contemporary capitalism. Some essays focus on themes and geographical areas of long-term concern for international development, while others focus on actors benefiting from the development process or on unequal socio-economic outcomes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 258 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

Marx in the Field is a groundbreaking edited collection that showcases the immense relevance of the Marxian method in understanding contemporary capitalism and the global development process. Through a series of essays, the collection brings Marx's ideas to life by demonstrating how they can be applied concretely in field research within the global economy. It explores how Marxian categories can be tailored to suit the unique dynamics of different regions and sectors, while also examining the challenges and opportunities that arise during fieldwork. Moreover, the contributions in this volume go beyond traditional Marxian analysis by integrating insights from other intellectual traditions such as radical feminisms, critical realism, and postcolonial studies. This fusion of perspectives broadens the scope of our understanding and offers new avenues for exploring the complexities of development and capitalism.

The collection takes a comprehensive and global approach to the study of development and contemporary capitalism. It encompasses a wide range of themes and geographical areas of interest, from long-standing concerns such as informal or rural poverty and labor practices across South Asia, Southern and West Africa, and South America to the impact of development on actors who benefit from the process, such as regional exporters, larger farmers, and traders. Additionally, the collection sheds light on unequal socio-economic outcomes across richer and emerging economies and regions, including Gulf countries, North America, Southern Europe, and Post-Soviet Central Asia and Eastern Europe. Some essays delve into global processes that transcend national boundaries, connecting multiple regions, actors, and inequalities.

While some essays in the collection focus on classic Marxian tropes such as class, labor, and working conditions, agrarian change, and global commodity chains, others take a more innovative approach by exploring new themes and perspectives. For instance, some essays examine the role of technology and innovation in shaping contemporary capitalism, while others explore the impact of neoliberal policies on economic development and social inequality.

In conclusion, Marx in the Field is a vital resource for scholars, researchers, and policymakers seeking to understand the complexities of contemporary capitalism and the global development process. By bringing Marx's ideas to life through field research and interdisciplinary analysis, this collection offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the world we live in today.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 153 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839989247