Critical Sociology

The dominant model of power in Marxist theory contains a number of problematic assumptions. These include: (1) the assumption of objective class interests; (2) the assumption that classes are collective social actors; (3) the assumption that classes have a political "consciousness;" and (4) the assumption that the state is the locus of class power. The central error which underlies these four assumptions of the dominant model is a confusion of the theoretical levels of agency and structure in Marxist theory. The uncritical acceptance of these assumptions has been harmful to the development of Marxist theory and political practice.

This paper adopts a Gramscian perspective in presenting a case study of hegemonic crisis and political-economic restructuring. In British Columbia, the period from 1983 through 1987 marked a decisive shift from a variant of Fordism to a neo-conservative project with strong resonances of Thatcherism. Focusing on the historical specificity of the province in the Canadian political economy and the political crises of 1983 and 1987, we explore the structural and strategic reasons for this transformation, and examine the obstacles confronting the left in its hesitant attempts to mount a successful opposition around a counter-hegemonic project.

This paper examines the popular revolt in South Africa between 1984 and 1986. We survey the course of this revolt in different regions of South Africa. Special attention is given to the emergence during this period of a more powerful independent black trade union movement. We also consider the nature of the white minority regime and its response to the popular upsurge. Finally, we note the emergence of new forms of popular resistance that point toward a new stage in the struggle against apartheid.

The customized contract training agreements between community colleges and corporations have contradictory effects. Corporations receive economic benefits because contracting with community colleges is often cheaper than providing in-house training for employees. Community colleges receive increased revenue and increased political support from corporations. However, the training emphasis is likely to hurt the colleges by detracting from their already weakened liberal arts and transfer programs. The overall effect of customized contract training is to push these institutions further in the direction of becoming primarily vocational, rather than educational institutions. This, in turn, will provide even fewer opportunities for upward mobility for poor and minority students.

This report examines the situation of health care in Nicaragua. When the Sandinistas came to power in 1979 they confronted a number of serious health problems bequeathed by the former Somoza regime. As we document, impressive gains were made in health care during the early years of the Sandinista revolution. The U.S.-sponsored aggression against Nicaragua, however, threatens to erode many of these gains.