ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a 'non-reductionist' solution to the problems of socialist politics in particular and ideology in general. The clear merit of A. Przeworski's argument lies in his recognition of the problematic nature of the Marxist conception of class agency. In fact, Przeworski looks, not at the effects of determinate social conditions, but at the allegedly necessary consequences of an unconditional unity of capitalist relations. The category formula serves to deny the effectivity of class at the level of social action whilst reaffirming it as the central problem of socialist politics. The bourgeoisie is constituted as an effective political force because of its derivation from the structure of social relations within the capitalist totality. Hegemony is seen as a sphere of political struggle involving forces which are irreducible to classes. The problem which E. Laclau and C. Mouffe pose for themselves concerns the capacities of classes and non-class agents to contest effectively for hegemony.
