Paul D'Amato's The Meaning of Marxism is an important contribution to Marxism and the left in general. While many dismiss Marxism as a dead theory, D'Amato uses insight gained as the managing editor of International Socialist Review to argue for the revolutionary transformation of society from below.
The Meaning of Marxism is an easy to read introduction to the complexities of Marxist thought, a feat that is an accomplishment in and of itself. D'Amato skillfully presents the intricacies of Marxist theory and analysis in a manner that is easy to understand. He explores the origins of Marxism, Marx's materialist method, and Marx's view of history, while explaining Marx's insights into how capitalism functions. Throughout the text, D'Amato incorporates Marxists who have expanded on Marx's original analysis and weaves in contemporary examples of the relevance of Marxism. In an appendix, D'Amato offers an extensive list of additional readings for those wishing to further investigate Marxism.
The book's major strength is its argument that a revolutionary transformation is a necessity in contemporary society. Whereas many writing on Marxism focus on narrow ideological or historical debates, D'Amato draws upon Marxism to offer a compelling argument for radical social change. In addressing a variety of topics ranging from poverty to racism, D'Amato explains the relevance of Marxism to contemporary social movements seeking to eradicate systems of oppression. The book convincingly argues that capitalism is at the base of many of these systems of oppression and that it benefits from the continued functioning of racism and sexism. These arguments are coupled with extensive citations of statistics on wealth and poverty both at the national and international effort, that support the D'Amato's assertions that society produces enough for everyone and that inequalities are due to capitalism.
Of course, the major weakness of the book is its raison d'etre--its advocacy of Marxism. Marxism has been repeatedly attacked and criticized from both the right and the left for the past hundred years and has largely failed as a means of transforming society. D'Amato's defense of Lenin--despite his repudiation of Stalinism, Maoism, and the ultimate outcomes of the Russian Revolution of 1917--will likely not sit well with many readers coming to the text from an anarchist or anti-Marxist perspective. Moreover, while there is some defense of Bolshevism, there is little discussion of how Marxist parties operate within contemporary social movements. Nevertheless, the book promotes a less sectarian and authoritarian form of Marxism and indeed such a theory is a legitimate framework to consider.
In a similar vein, the chapter "But What about...? Arguments against Socialism" is useful for Marxists and other leftists who face the inevitable questions about the feasibility of the revolutionary transformation of society. D'Amato presents well-constructed counter-arguments to frequent arguments against socialism or anti-capitalism, taking on the idea that capitalism is more efficient than socialism, that people are naturally competitive, that the United States is predominately middle class, and that the working class no longer exists.
D'Amato's The Meaning of Marxism is a helpful introduction to both those seeking more information about Marxism as well as those seeking to enhance their understanding of the various "left" theories of social transformation. It is easily readable and understandable, making it an essential introduction to Marxism.
Paul D'Amato, The Meaning of Marxism, (Haymarket Books, 2006).
