3. The Symbolic Dimension of the Social

The chapter 'The Symbolic Dimension of the Social, Phenomenological Marxism' delves into the intellectual journey of Claude Lefort, focusing on his break from the group Socialisme ou Barbarie in 1958 and his subsequent development of a phenomenological approach to Marxism. Lefort's critique of mechanistic and Hegelian interpretations of Marx is central, as he argues for a more nuanced understanding of alienation and the social. The chapter also explores Lefort's engagement with anthropology, drawing on the works of Marcel Mauss, Abram Kardiner, and others to develop his concept of the symbolic dimension of the social. This dimension emphasizes the interplay between different aspects of society, challenging traditional dichotomies such as structure and superstructure. The symbolic dimension is seen as a continuous self-representation of society, a process that involves the political choices and meanings that shape a culture. The chapter concludes by highlighting the enigmatic nature of the social, suggesting that the social is an ongoing process of self-representation that cannot be fully understood or controlled by its participants. This perspective offers a unique blend of philosophical and anthropological insights, making the chapter a valuable read for those interested in social theory and the work of Claude Lefort.