Marsden, Richard (1993) Marx, realism and Foucault : an enquiry into the problem of industrial relations theory. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis constructs a model of the material causes of the capacity of individuals to act at
work, by using the ontology of scientific realism to facilitate a synthesis between Marx and
Foucault. This synthetic model is submitted as a solution to the long-standing problem of
Industrial Relations theory, now manifest in the deconstruction of the organon of 'control'.
The problems of 'control' are rooted in the radical concept of power and traditional,
base/superstructure, interpretations of Marx. Developing an alternative to the last provides
the means of transcending the limitations of the first and the second. A realist,
chronological-bibliographic reading of Marx provides an alternative to traditional
interpretations, by creating a novel concept of his object, his initial explicandum and his
putative explicans. This reading identifies a fresh problem with his model of capital: it
cannot explain how labour is organized into a productive power and subsumed to capital.
Foucault provides the means of resolving these deficiencies of Marx's explicans. A realist
interpretation turns Marx and Foucault around to face each other, renders them compatible
and establishes points of contact between their work. Together they constitute a model of
the operative logic of production relations capable of explaining the organization of labour,
its subsumption to capital and the materialism of civil society and the idealism of the state.
On this basis, the contemporary form of the problem of Industrial Relations theory is
explained.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General) H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Industrial relations -- Philosophy, Labor -- Philosophy, Marx, Karl, 1818-1883 -- Criticism and interpretation, Foucault, Michel, 1926-1984 -- Criticism and interpretation
Official Date:	May 1993
Dates:	Date Event May 1993 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Warwick Business School
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Hyman, Richard ; Edwards, Paul
Extent:	v, 322 leaves
Language:	eng

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