In defence of democracy

Through a synthesis of Antonio Gramsci and Pierre Bourdieu's ideas the aim of this work is to reveal how, in establishing the existing cultural hegemony, the term 'democracy' has been hijacked, becoming an instrument of political subjugation rather than a condition for human emancipation. It will be argued that it is necessary to rethink political discourse by taking up democracy as a central guiding political concept, thereby reviving its original meaning. It will be necessary to first highlight the crisis in Australia's liberal democracy where, on a whole range of issues, conditions necessary for democracy have been systematically undermined. By analysing the ideas and political methods of those hostile to democracy, it will be argued that ironically, they have been more successful at implementing Gramsci's political strategy of a war of position. This was achieved through, to use Bourdieu's terminology, a manipulation of capital distribution, the structural dynamics of fields and the habitus of political agents, leading to the displacement of democracy by corporatocracy. Yet if democracy were to be reclaimed and upheld, a counter war of position could be effectively launched. But it will be necessary to provide reasons for reclaiming democracy on philosophical grounds as well as strategic. The question of why organising social relations democratically rather than through an oligarchy will be raised and explored. However, to defend democracy it is not enough to show its desirability. It will also be necessary to confront a number of serious difficulties that presently exist in Australian politics. Global capitalism has shifted the balance of power away from labour, as transnational corporations break free of constraints set by national governments. To add to the complications, social divisions are multiplying and widening, making it more difficult to find common ground for political unity among the dominated. In attacking all attempts at theoretical cohesion, postmodernism has effectively eliminated the intellectual basis for opposing corporatocracy. Moreover, advocates on the left of Australian politics share the same assumptions as their opponents, despite claiming to be at the cutting edge of radical politics. This has unwittingly helped legitimise scepticism towards grand narratives of emancipation. As an ideal to focus the counter-hegemonic struggle against corporatocracy, democracy could also facilitate unity while avoiding dogmatism and totalitarianism.