The Concept of Digital Capitalism. Issue 3 (18th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pace, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Communication theory. Volume 28:Issue 3(2018:Aug.)
• Page Start: 254
• Page End: 269
• Publication Date: 2018-04-18
• Subjects: Digital Capitalism -- Information Technology -- Critical Theory -- Media Theory -- History of Capitalism; Communication -- Periodicals; Information theory -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1093/ct/qtx009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1050-3293

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, I develop a dialectical, historical account of digital capitalism that moves beyond nominalist and structuralist approaches. I proceed in three parts. First, I provide an overview of the topical literature, focusing on the exemplary work of D. Schiller (1999) and C. Fuchs (2013). Second, I define capitalism in its dual capacity as an abstract system with core features and a nominal series of historical developments. Third, I reformulate the concept of digital capitalism and sketch the relation between digital media and capitalism as a point of departure for future research. I conclude with a discussion of structuralism and nominalism in contemporary media theory.