Marxism as a tool for uncovering hegemonic discourses on nature. Issue 1 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: González, Fernando
• Other Names: Peet Richard guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Human geography. Volume 15:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: 25
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: nature -- territory -- Marxism -- hegemony; naturaleza -- territorio -- marxismo -- hegemonía; Human geography -- Periodicals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1177/19427786211054813
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1942-7786

Abstract

Since its origins, geography has prioritized the study of nature. However, more recently the discipline has made advancements in studying power as a fundamental element in the social production of space and territory. What can Marxism offer to such investigations? In this brief article, I highlight some of the contributions of Marxist thought that I have found useful for geographic analysis and that stand out from the discipline's other forms of analysis. Firstly, I recover elements from the thinker Antonio Gramsci that I consider important for debates regarding the social production of space and territory as an expression of power relations. Secondly, I retrace some aspects of Marx's concept of nature to examine certain notions that prevail in today's environmental debates. In this way, I look to denaturalize the hegemonic thought with which institutions and dominant classes exercise power in this area.