The definitions of racism and antisemitism are fiercely contested in both academia and the public sphere. The understanding of these terms is shaped not least by (implicit or explicit) social-theoretical assumptions.
In this seminar, Leo Roepert will examine concepts of racism in two influential strands of social theory: postcolonialism and Marxism, both of which are experiencing a revival under the heading of ‘Racial Capitalism’. He will examine which concepts of racism are represented in these two theoretical strands and how these concepts are shaped by each strand’s underlying assumptions in social theory, as well as their respective limitations. Postcolonial approaches view racism primarily as an expression of a (post)colonial power relationship, whereas Marxist approaches focus on the significance of racism for the material and ideological reproduction of capitalism.
He will also explore how antisemitism is addressed within postcolonial and Marxist traditions, and will argue that they have difficulty grasping the specific character of antisemitism owing to the way racism is comprehended in both theoretical strands.
Leo Roepert is a sociologist and works as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at the Department of Socioeconomics at the University of Hamburg. His research interests include Critical Theory, the extreme and populist right, racism, and antisemitism.