German Left Debates Class Struggle Without the Working Class
In a piece for Der Freitag, union secretary Katja Barthold argues that while the term 'class' has returned to leftist rhetoric, the working class as a unified entity no longer exists due to neoliberalism. She proposes two strategies to win back workers: collective action through strikes rather than shared suffering, and moving beyond nostalgic images of a cohesive working class. The article critiques the West German left's reliance on outdated class imagery and calls for new approaches to class struggle.
Key facts
- The term 'class' has returned to leftist rhetoric.
- The working class as a unified entity no longer exists.
- Neoliberalism has dissolved the collective identity of dependent employees.
- Katja Barthold is a union secretary.
- Two strategies are proposed: collective action in strikes, not shared suffering.
- West German leftists cling to nostalgic images of a unified working class.
- The article was published in Der Freitag.
- The piece is authored by Katja Barthold.
Entities
Institutions
- Der Freitag
Locations
- Germany