Ideology, subjectivation, and the dialectics of the plane of immanence : prolegomena to future revolutionary theory : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Sociology at Massey University, New Zealand

Abstract

The capitalist mode of production is tantamount to a mode of subjectivation. Ideological objects, discursive formations, artifactuality, disciplinary apparatuses and mnemotechnologies all contribute to the determination of subjects within the capital-relation. This thesis examines just how this is possible. Through the work of Foucault, Althusser, Marx, Derrida, Stiegler, Donati and other social theorists an account of ideology and subjectivation is developed which argues that processes of material production and processes of subjective development are not mutually exclusive. Rather the capital-relation reproduces itself dialectically through objective and subjective transformations. This study is divided into four chapters. The first chapter articulates a relationship between ideological analysis and relational sociology. The second chapter argues for the identity of the mode of production and the mode of subjectivation. The third chapter deals expressly with subjectivation in advanced capitalism. The final chapter details the dynamics between the forces and relations of subjectivation and the immanent contradictions between time, space, nature, and technology within the capitalist mode of production.