Susan Rosenthal’s argument in POWER and Powerlessness is not new to socialists; however, her point of departure and the terrain on which she develops a cogent, insightful, sometimes humorous analysis of capitalism’s ills are as unexpected as they are relevant.
Rosenthal’s years of experience as a physician have taught her the ugly realities of commoditized human health, both mental and physical. If her study limited itself to an exposé of the industry, it would be an interesting and informative read. Instead, Rosenthal marries years of experience in health care with an in-depth Marxist analysis to expose how capitalism functions at every level and to insist on our ability to recreate the world on sane and humane terms.
Rosenthal begins by examining the nature of the powerlessness that many people feel, showing it to be the product of a system that rewards self-serving “psychopaths” in the ruling class and encourages passive submission among workers. The dissociation that results from the onslaught of seemingly insolvable problems and irresolvable contradictions contributes to alienation.
“Every aspect of life is shaped by class inequality – the existence of immense wealth alongside enormous deprivation. … Dissociation allows people to respond to conflicting aspects of life as if they were not related.”
Rosenthal argues that alienation and dissociation should not be mistaken for indifference. Cutting against alienation requires an understanding of how we got here, an exposure of the “lies that bind us,” and clarity about how to organize politically for social change.
Rosenthal’s answers to the four key questions that organize this book – What’s going on? How did this happen? Why do we put up with it? and What will it take? – incorporate personal experiences and a wealth of research with the critical arguments of Marxism.
Rosenthal explains how “seize the surplus” allowed for the development of class society thereby permitting the technological advances that enable us, today, to meet the needs of the world’s entire population quite comfortably. Her research into current issues and her insights from her professional experience prove how this same rule, in the form of the pursuit of profit, now hampers human development.
Rosenthal clearly demonstrates the myriad ways in which the drive for profit degrades all aspects of human experience, from work to creativity to interpersonal relationships, and exerts a stranglehold on social priorities, public spending, and even scientific research. “Seize the surplus,” Rosenthal demonstrates, conflicts with human compassion. For ruling classes to maintain their rule, they must deploy an array of ideologies designed to turn people against each other. Racism, nationalism, sexism, and homophobia all serve to keep people alienated from their basic humanity, to keep them divided and powerless. To reclaim power, Rosenthal insists that we learn the lessons of history.
“Whoever controls production controls society. Only one class can rule. Capitalism is an international system, and socialism must also be international. The working class needs a revolutionary party to organize the seizure of power.”
Rosenthal’s explanations move between core Marxist ideas, current examples that illustrate the dynamics she’s explaining, and historical references that reveal the evolution and intractability of current social contradictions.
POWER and Powerlessness insists quite clearly that, contrary to everything we are taught, there are no individual solutions. Societal problems demand societal solutions, and such solutions can only be achieved through organization and cooperation – in other words, through a return to our basic humanity. Reclaiming the power demands that we break with the lies that alienate us and recreate a world based on human potential. This book was a pleasure to read, and has the potential to reach the growing numbers of people who know that something is wrong and who are seeking ways to engage in serious, transformational, revolutionary change.
– Sophie Hand: International Socialist Review, Sept.-Oct. 2006
I think you’ve written something powerful and important. And I like your style, clear, approachable. I hope it will be widely circulated.
– Howard Zinn, author, A People’s History of the United States
Every UAW member needs to have a copy on their coffee table.
– Todd Jordan, UAW Local 292
Your thesis that “social power is necessary for human health” is a great insight. I hope that many people read this book, because they will benefit from the deeper understanding of society that it provides.
– Jeff Schmidt, author Disciplined Minds
Susan Rosenthal’s argument in POWER and Powerlessness is not new to socialists; however, her point of departure and the terrain on which she develops a cogent, insightful, sometimes humorous analysis of capitalism’s ills are as unexpected as they are relevant.
Rosenthal’s years of experience as a physician have taught her the ugly realities of commoditized human health, both mental and physical. If her study limited itself to an exposé of the industry, it would be an interesting and informative read. Instead, Rosenthal marries years of experience in health care with an in-depth Marxist analysis to expose how capitalism functions at every level and to insist on our ability to recreate the world on sane and humane terms.
Rosenthal begins by examining the nature of the powerlessness that many people feel, showing it to be the product of a system that rewards self-serving “psychopaths” in the ruling class and encourages passive submission among workers. The dissociation that results from the onslaught of seemingly insolvable problems and irresolvable contradictions contributes to alienation.
“Every aspect of life is shaped by class inequality – the existence of immense wealth alongside enormous deprivation. … Dissociation allows people to respond to conflicting aspects of life as if they were not related.”
– Sophie Hand: International Socialist Review, Sept.-Oct. 2006