Late capitalism as political economy of enjoyment: Contributions of the Lacanian social theory for critical analysis

Abstract

The aim of this article is to outline the basic concepts of the Lacanian social theory for a critical analysis of contemporary capitalism in terms of a political economy of enjoyment (jouissance). To achieve this goal, we propose a paradigmatic presentation of the main assumptions, general and specific categories that define the contours of the Lacanian social theory among other theories that share with it the heteroclite and prolific field of post-structuralism. Hence, in the first place, we proceed to systematize the developments that Lacan himself has bequeathed in his later production, articulated around the notion of Capitalist Discourse. With this notion, Lacan seeks to characterize the establishment of a singular symbolic and affective economy that gives account of the malaise in our time. Additionally, in dialogue with the contemporary readings of Lacan´s work, we analyse the possible horizons and strategies for the transformation of this kind of social bond established. We assume that emancipatory political struggle is linking primarily to the production and radicalization of the social antagonisms in order to make possible the inscription of fissures in a Capitalist Discourse that is intending without cuts, global and totalizing.