The Culture Struggle

by Michael Parenti

One of America’s most astute and engaging political analysts, Michael Parenti shows us that culture is a changing process and the product of a dynamic interplay between a wide range of social and political interests. Drawing from cultures around the world, Parenti shows that beliefs and practices are readily subjected to political manipulation, and that many parts of culture are being commodified, separated from their group or communal origins, to be packaged and sold to those who can pay for them. Folk culture is giving way to a corporate market culture. Art, science, medicine, and psychiatry can be used as instruments of cultural control, and even marriage, the "foundation of society," has been misused by heterosexuals across the centuries.
Using vivid examples and riveting arguments throughout, ranging from the everyday to the esoteric, and penned with eloquence and irony, The Culture Struggle presents a collection of snapshots of our time.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Cultural, History, Theory, Economics

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Michael John Parenti, Ph.D. (Yale University) is an American political scientist, academic historian and cultural critic who writes on scholarly and popular subjects. He has taught at universities as well as run for political office. Parenti is well known for his Marxist writings and lectures. He is a notable intellectual of the American Left and he is most known for his criticism of capitalism and American foreign policy.

Reviews

[Public Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favorite Parenti title ever, but I am a dedicated superfan, so I'm just happy any time I can spend time at the feet of one of my favorite authors. Parenti does a great job dissecting the downside of cultural relativism. I especially enjoyed the chapters about racism and how it is useful to ruling elites. I also really enjoyed the last chapters dismantling the cult of individualism in the US.

[Roberto Yoed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixteenth book from Parenti.

This book is like a big appendix from ‘The Make Believe Media’: it deepens on the ideological and superstructure issues as well as some surprising commentary on Marvin Harris cultural materialism.

In short, this books shows how culture is defined by economical issues (the more I read about Parenti’s cultural takes the more I’m certain he is a closeted althusserian).

[Luís Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb, a masterpiece of socialist rational thinking,
especially the part Parenti debunks egocentric selfish new-agers
and their Zen-like individualistic gibberish.

(read in Bang Nam Chuet, Thailand)

[Pete Judge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent book from a very great genius

[Suryashekhar Biswas · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Biased review alert. Parenti fanboy here)
Absolute must read, irrespective of what your political views are, it is highly recommended you get exposed to the ideas Parenti deals with in this book. This book has you read about events and occurrences that you might already be familiar with, and yet you will find yourself exclaiming at the way that you never noticed a certain jarring aspect about that thing you have known for ages. Extremely graspable and easy to read, just like the rest of Parenti's books.

[Michelle Mcnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't question your own place in the culture struggle after reading this book, then I would suggest that the orthodox cloud we all live under may have just sedated you into apathy. I can not think of a worse fate.

[Daddy Lenin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loosely connected essays that mr parenti writes in his trademark simplistic style that manages to simplify complex academic topics into digestible bits for plebs like me. The essays vary in quality tho. Some are kind of meh but others are insanely good.

[mark mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderfully accessible intro. to the topic.

[Viki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone looking to bolster their knowledge of how culture influences society and people, for better or worse.

[Revanth Ukkalam]

Would have been a good intro to the Marxian-Progressive way of thinking

[Kia]

Read this on my phone like 2 years ago but found a copy for a quarter recently so figured I’d reread. First time around I remember being really fascinated and excited by Parenti’s refutation of cultural relativism, now I’m interested in the last section comparing the New Age movement to free market culture bc of the shared hyper individualism inherent to both ideologies. Which, like. In the age of Goop, duh but this was published in 2006 so I think Western alternative culture probably looked a little different than it does now. Maybe the successor of the yogis of the 2000s that Parenti writes about isn’t Gwyneth Paltrow but people like that Bronze Age pervert guy. Idk.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little basic at times in what it covers—yet a perfect perfect introduction by Parenti to cultural issues and especially their connection to imperialism and capitalism. All without being defeatist. Highly recommend.

[Alfonso Parada · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GOAT

[Jared Palencia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keeps you entertained, easy to absorb and retain, very concise and funny.

[Arthur · Rating 2 out of 5]

The anecdotes and examples are interesting but the discussions and reasonings are far lacking

[Fuzzy Dunlop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of Parenti’s greatness is not only found in the simplicity (and humour) of his writing, but in his deep historical insight, being able to provide compelling arguments backed with a plethora of real world examples (the Protestant ‘reformation’ in 1970s Guatemala is one such example). In just under 100 pages - depending on your edition - Parenti uncovers and deconstructs our notion of culture, showing how it is not as naturalistic or static as one is made to believe. The Culture Struggle provides a much more simplistic inquiry into cultural hegemony than the more theoretical (although still fantastic) notion of it espoused by its creator, Antonio Gramsci in his Prison Notebooks. Given its accessibility, density, and quickness to read, this is an essential book to develop some ideas and thoughts about culture and what constitutes culture

[Justine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be a quick read- finished it on a round trip to and from the city- that was easily digested and interesting. I greatly enjoyed the critique of cultural relativism and the exposing of how strands of ethnocentrism permeate many societies, including our own. I didn't find this book to be overly preachy or dogmatic, however I had mixed feelings about the relevancy of the author's indictment of the 'New Agers'.

Over all I'd recommend it as an quick, stimulating read to keep the wheels turning.

[Nish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let's play a game where we pick a passage from this book and guess the author's ideological underpinnings. Though I identify with Marxism, reading this book reveals how mechanical homo economicus thinking can be. In the Goldilocks approach to leftist theory, Al Franken on the too cold pole and Negri on the too hot porridge spectrum, this book strikes lukewarm, unappetising yet nourishing. Nevertheless, I've got respect for Parenti's other stuff and his activism.

[Billy Kauffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever taken a Sociology class or if you care even in the least about the workings and conflicts of society, then you must read this book. Any thing by Michael Parenti is good and I plan to read more of his writings. Definitely worth 5 stars, easy read, I read it in 4 days.

[Expose Austin Texas Duty To Care For Others · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good analysis of cultural anthropology.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative and actually made me cry.

[Des]

Not one of Michael's best works - much better to listen to him on these topics.

[Bjørnar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting explanation of what culture is and how it is not objective. Parenti explains how difficult it is to oppose the "truths" in our culture.

[Javier Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prophetic and concise. Look forward to Parenti’s other work.