Marxism Reading Group: The Professional-Managerial Class

Recent social media dust-ups about downwardly mobile millennials and “Patagonia Democrats” have reignited a decades-old controversy about the "PMC," or “Professional-Managerial Class.” In the late 1970s, Barbara and John Ehrenreich’s essay on the topic sparked a broad debate about whether or not the socialist movement should draw strength from the US Left's growing ranks of politically engaged students, radical academics, and other seemingly middle class activists. In so doing, they prompted a broader discussion about the changing nature of twentieth century class relations, politics, and capitalism itself.

In this session, we will read Barbara and John Ehrenreich’s original essay along with a critical engagement by Erik Olin Wright. We will consider the analytic value of the concept of the PMC, as well as the political question of what this constituency signals for the contemporary socialist movement.

Readings:

• Barbara & John Ehrenreich, "The Professional-Managerial Class"
• Erik Olin Wright, "Intellectuals & The Class Structure"

Please join our mailing list to access the readings!

Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 994 9945 0800

About the Series

Philly DSA's Marxism Reading Group explores a range of topics in Marxist theory. Sessions will focus on big picture ideas, unpacking fundamental concepts of historical, political, and economic analysis, as well as more specific debates focused on issues such as class, the State, gender, imperialism, colonialism, hegemony, and history. Along the way, we'll read some of the most influential writers in the Marxist tradition, including David Harvey, Angela Davis, GA Cohen, CLR James, EP Thompson, and Rosa Luxemburg. Whether you’re curious about Marxism, a longtime activist, or an expert Marxologist, please join us!

Schedule

September 9: What is Historical Materialism?
September 23: Class I: Formation vs. Location
October 7: Class II: The Professional-Managerial Class
October 21: Imperialism I: Early Theories of Imperialism
November 4: Imperialism II: Underdevelopment & the New Imperialism
November 18: Imperialism III: Colonialism & The Post-Colony
December 02: Social Reproduction Theory