Reification and the Critical Theory of Contemporary Society

This article concerns how a critical theory of reification should be conceptualized to grasp the 2007 crisis, state-imposed austerity, and rise right-wing authoritarian populism. It argues that Jürgen Habermas’s, Axel Honneth’s, Georg Lukacs’s interpretations cannot provide theoretical framework for social these developments due their inadequate theories domination, crises, character formation, historical development. then outlines draws on Max Horkheimer’s notion reified authority contemporary Marxian theory’s interpretation critique political economy conceive formation as inherent reproduction capitalist society, which is characterized by process development drives humanity into new types barbarism. concludes indicating such an approach, in contrast Lukács’s theories, provides conception can our present moment.