Mute Compulsion: A Marxist Theory of the Economic Power of Capital

Mute Compulsion provides a novel theory of the power of capital in the 21st century, explaining how it tightens its stranglehold on society by remoulding the material conditions of social reproduction. It builds on Karl Marx's critique and contemporary Marxist theory, intervening in debates about the value form, crisis theory, biopolitics, social reproduction, humanism, logistics, agriculture, metabolism, the body, competition, technology, and relative surplus populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Verso Books

The crisis-ridden capitalism of the 21st century continues to persist, despite facing insoluble contradictions, intense volatility, and fierce resistance. To comprehend the paradoxical expansion and entrenchment of capital amidst crisis and unrest, Mute Compulsion presents a novel theory that delves into the historically unique forms of abstract and impersonal power initiated by the subjection of social life to the profit imperative. Building upon a critical reconstruction of Karl Marx's unfinished critique of political economy and a diverse range of contemporary Marxist theory, philosopher Søren Mau endeavors to explain how the logic of capital tightens its grip on society by continually reshaping the material conditions of social reproduction. Throughout this exploration, Mau intervenes in classical and contemporary debates concerning the value form, crisis theory, biopolitics, social reproduction, humanism, logistics, agriculture, metabolism, the body, competition, technology, and relative surplus populations.

Introduction:
The crisis-ridden capitalism of the 21st century has witnessed a remarkable resilience and persistence, despite facing numerous challenges and contradictions. While it is widely acknowledged that capitalism has undergone significant transformations and adaptations over the centuries, its ability to adapt and thrive in the face of adversity has remained a subject of debate and investigation. In this essay, we will explore the paradoxical expansion and entrenchment of capital amidst crisis and unrest, drawing upon the insights of Mute Compulsion's novel theory of abstract and impersonal power.

Paradoxical Expansion of Capital:
Mute Compulsion's theory posits that the logic of capital operates in a manner that defies conventional understanding. Despite facing insoluble contradictions, intense volatility, and fierce resistance, capital continues to expand and entrench itself in society. This expansion is driven by a relentless pursuit of profit, which shapes the material conditions of social reproduction and exerts a powerful influence on the lives of individuals and communities.

One of the key aspects of Mute Compulsion's theory is its recognition of the historical uniqueness of the forms of abstract and impersonal power set in motion by the subjection of social life to the profit imperative. Capitalism, unlike previous economic systems, operates on a global scale, transcending national boundaries and creating a network of interdependence and interconnectedness. This global reach allows capital to exploit vulnerabilities and inequalities across different regions and societies, leading to the perpetuation of social and economic disparities.

Another aspect of Mute Compulsion's theory is its analysis of the ways in which capital tightens its stranglehold on society. By constantly remoulding the material conditions of social reproduction, capital seeks to ensure its continued dominance and profitability. This includes the privatization of public resources, the deregulation of markets, and the commodification of social life. These processes not only undermine the democratic and social rights of individuals but also contribute to the perpetuation of economic inequality and the exploitation of labor.

Interventions in Debates:
Mute Compulsion's theory intervenes in a wide range of classical and contemporary debates about the value form, crisis theory, biopolitics, social reproduction, humanism, logistics, agriculture, metabolism, the body, competition, technology, and relative surplus populations. By engaging with these debates, Mau seeks to shed light on the ways in which capital operates and the implications of its expansion and entrenchment for society.

In the realm of crisis theory, Mute Compulsion challenges the conventional understanding of crises as temporary disruptions or deviations from the normal functioning of the economy. Instead, they argue that crises are inherent to the logic of capital and are essential for its continued expansion. Crises, such as economic recessions, financial crises, and political instability, provide opportunities for capital to consolidate its power and reinforce its dominance.

In the field of biopolitics, Mute Compulsion examines the ways in which capital intersects with biological processes and the body. They argue that the commodification of the body, through processes such as genetic engineering, medical technology, and pharmaceutical industries, is a key aspect of capital's expansion and entrenchment. By commodifying the body, capital can extract surplus value and control the reproductive capacities of individuals and communities.

In the area of social reproduction, Mute Compulsion critiques the traditional understanding of social reproduction as a process of natural reproduction. Instead, they argue that social reproduction is shaped by the logic of capital and is driven by the pursuit of profit. This includes the privatization of social services, the deregulation of labor markets, and the commodification of education and healthcare. These processes not only undermine the social and economic rights of individuals but also contribute to the perpetuation of economic inequality and the exploitation of labor.

Conclusion:
The crisis-ridden capitalism of the 21st century continues to pose significant challenges and contradictions. However, Mute Compulsion's theory offers a novel perspective on the paradoxical expansion and entrenchment of capital amidst crisis and unrest. By recognizing the historical uniqueness of abstract and impersonal power and analyzing the ways in which capital tightens its stranglehold on society, Mau provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of capitalism and its impact on social life. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st-century economic and political landscape, it is essential to engage with the insights of Mute Compulsion and other scholars who are exploring the dynamics of capital and its implications for society.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 152 x 233 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839763465