4. A Sociology of a Divided Society: Alienation, Ideology and a Project for a Study of Democracy

The chapter 'A Sociology of a Divided Society: Alienation, Ideology and a Project for a Study of Democracy' presents a critical sociological analysis of modern society, drawing heavily on the works of Lefort. It begins by discussing the concept of alienation, not as a concealment of natural reality but as a dynamic that establishes the social. Lefort argues that the social is constituted through the dialectic of alienation, which is a specific 'social condition' formed in capitalist society. The text then delves into the definition of ideology, contending that it is not merely a tool of the ruling class but a mechanism inherent in the structure of capital. It highlights the distinction between the imaginary and the real, which is crucial in understanding ideology in capitalist societies. The chapter also examines the shift from the proletariat to the 'people' as the subject of social struggle, emphasizing the diverse and differentiated nature of contemporary contestations. Finally, it introduces the concept of democracy as a form of society, questioning the essence of democratic political and symbolic models and setting the stage for further inquiry into the nature of democratic society.