Reconsidering Determinism in Marxist Educational Research

• In Event: Marx SIG Paper Session

Abstract

One’s material position within capitalism creates the limits and possibilities for social participation in our world. In Marxian terms, we can call this determinism. I first work through complimentary definitions and frames for understanding determinism with attention to the ways such work can come across as essentialist. Importantly, we focus too often only on top-down styles of determinism, without sufficient attention to the ideological determinants that occur from the bottom-up. Critical pedagogy necessitates a materialist orientation and understanding of our contemporary struggles, which means we must understand the ways determinism functions in practice. Following this, I showcase ways that a Marxian conception of determinism can actually function in generative ways, rather than being viewed solely in negative and limiting terms.

Author

• Zachary A. Casey, Rhodes College