Critical Theory and the Critique of Antisemitism - (Critical Theory and the Critique of Society)

Book Synopsis

This volume provides a systematic re-examination of the Frankfurt School's theory of antisemitism and, employing this critical theory, investigates the presence of antisemitism in 20th- and 21st-century politics and society.

Critical Theory and the Critique of Antisemitism uncovers how critical theory differs from mainstream socialist or liberal critiques of antisemitism, as it frames its rejection of antisemitism in the critique of other aspects of modern capitalist society, which traditional theories leave unchallenged or critique only in passing. Amongst others, these include issues of identity, nation, race, and sexuality. In exploring the Frankfurt School's writings on antisemitism therefore, the chapters in this book reveal connections to other pressing societal issues, such as racism more broadly, patriarchy, statism, and the societal dynamics of the ever-evolving capitalist mode of production.

Putting the theory to practice, this volume brings together interdisciplinary scholars and activists who employ critical theory to scrutinise right- and left-wing manifestations of antisemitism. They develop, in their critique of antisemitism, a critique of capitalism, as the authors ask: why does modern capitalist society seem bound to produce antisemitism? And how do we challenge it?

At a time when the rise of populism internationally has brought with it new strains of antisemitism, this is an essential resource that demonstrates the continuing relevance of the critical theory of the Frankfurt School for the struggle against antisemitism today.

Review Quotes

"This collection engages not only with the Frankfurt School's own analyses of antisemitism, and with key works influenced by the School's analyses, but also with the relevance of Critical Theory's approach to important contemporary phenomena. It is fresh, solidly researched, original, and will richly repay a close reading." --Jack Jacobs, Professor of Political Science, John Jay College and the Graduate Center City University of New York, USA

"Marcel Stoetzler's volume reasserts how central Critical Theory's analysis of antisemitism is to the analysis of society after Auschwitz." --Detlev Claussen, Professor Emeritus of Social Theory, Culture and Sociology, Leibniz Universität Hannover, Germany

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