Comparing and contrasting Marxism and postcolonial criticism

The author’s comparison and contrast of Marxism and postcolonial critique

The author’s comparison and contrast of Marxism and postcolonial critique serves as the foundation for her discussion.

Definition of postcolonial theory and Marxism

Postcolonial theory is defined as the relationship resulting from the interaction of culture and society, whereas Marxism is defined as the relationship emerging from integrating literature and society.

Understanding culture and society

The author continues by correctly defining culture as the amalgamation of beliefs and practices that characterize a group of people, whereas society is the term used to describe the individuals who make up such groups.

Differences between postcolonial theory and Marxism

Here, the author tries to explain how the two theories’ various underlying concepts vary. According to her, postcolonial theory looks into various ways social injustices affect culture, whereas Marxism focuses on cultural beliefs and norms that support social injustices. Marxism is identified as a theory of current and future history while postcolonial theory is focused on the past history. Postcolonial theory has been adopted in examining the impacts on culture as a result of colonization in literature. It implies that colonization, which is a thing of the past, has had huge impacts on literature since it facilitated one culture to dominate another. It resulted in the dominant culture being imposed on other cultures or overshadowing them. It is demonstrated through an example of the differences existing between literature recorded in the American colonial era and that written based on the Native American point of view.

Similarity between postcolonial theory and Marxism

A similarity between the two theories is highlighted as the writer concludes. Marxism as well assesses class organization and the power tussles that take place. Similarly, the tussle between a conquering culture and the defeated culture also represents a power struggle, implying a shift in the social organization when a society gets incorporated into a new society. Colonization achieved this motive as it transformed the class configuration and a nation’s economy.

Agreement and criticism

I agree with the writer on the similar concepts behind the two theories in relation to exploiting and oppressing people through culture and government. In addition, the writer could have mentioned criticisms thrown by postcolonial theorists on the universalism associated with Marxism. Capitalism is often observed to force people to getting into exploitative relationships, regardless of their culture or background. It is mostly concerned with making profit. Postcolonial theorists, on the other hand, argue capitalism does not impact people universally but depending on where it is taking place.