Political economy and cultural studies: Reconciliation or divorce?

Abstract

The author considers that the profound antagonism between political economy and cultural studies can be overcome provided cultural studies stop accusing political economy of economism and reductionism. He nevertheless calls for researchers in cultural studies to better take into consideration economic determinations in their theorization of power in relation to culture, and not to be too quick to reject possibilities of false consciousness of individuals faced with the cultural and media productions on offer. In this text, still deeply steeped in the traditional Marxist model, the author finally considers the place granted to race and gender relations in structures of domination, by defending the primacy of social class.