Nordicum-Mediterraneum (Dec 2008)
Work Analysis And Autonomy - Socialisme ou Barbarie's Concept of Revolutionary Work Research
Abstract
Cornelius Castoriadis hardly fits the stereotype of the isolated thinker, who develops theories in private, far away from the world. When reading his stimulating texts, we should have in mind that they were written in a specific political context, as part of Castoriadis' own revolutionary activism. Until the mid-1960s the French group "Socialisme ou Barbarie" (hereafter: "SouB"; "SB" is used hereafter with reference to their journal with the same name) was Castoriadis' political background. His works from that period were the direct expression of the group's discussions and activities.The following article deals with an example of Castoriadis' political-theoretical collaboration with SouB. After a short view at the Marxist context at that time (1.), follows the description of SouB's work analysis, its main concept, results and limitations (2.), from which unfolds directly Castoriadis' theory (3.). By way of conclusion I shall show some implications for today's discussions about work (4.).
