Karl Marx & Communication @ 200: Towards a Marxian Theory of Communication

Christian Fuchs

doi:10.31269/triplec.v16i2.987

Christian Fuchs University of Westminster, Westminster Institute for Advanced Studies & Communication and Media Research Institute

DOI: https://doi.org/10.31269/triplec.v16i2.987

Keywords: Karl Marx, bicentenary, 200th birthday, anniversary, communication, critical theory of communication, critical political economy, Marxist theory, capitalism

Abstract

This contribution takes Marx’s bicentenary as occasion for reflecting on foundations of a Marxian theory of communication. It aims to show that Marx provides a consistent account as foundation for a critical, dialectical theory of communication. The article first discusses the relationship of communication and materialism in order to ground a communicative materialism that avoids the dualist assumption that communication is a superstructure erected on a material base. Second, the paper provides an overview of how Marx’s approach helps us to understand the role of the means of communication and communicative labour in capitalism. Third, it conceives of ideology as a form of fetishised communication and fetishism as ideological communication. Given that communicative capitalism is a significant dimension of contemporary society, it is about time to develop a Marxian theory of communication.

Author Biography

Christian Fuchs, University of Westminster, Westminster Institute for Advanced Studies & Communication and Media Research Institute

Christian Fuchs is professor at the University of Westminster. He is co-editor of tripleC: JCommunication, Capitalism & Critique. He holds a venia docendi in the field of ICTs and society.
His research interests are: critical theory, social theory, Internet and society, social media and society, media and society, ICTs and society, information society theory/research, political economy. He is author of many publications in these fields.
URL: http://fuchs.uti.at