The separation between the economic and the political and the question of democracy in the thoughts of Ellen M. Wood

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the treatment given by historian and political scientist Ellen M. Wood to the subject of the separation of the economical and the political in capitalist societies, as well as her analysis about the limits of “modern” democracy compared to the “ancient” one. I suggest, based upon these discussions, that it is necessary to resume the democratic criticism of liberal theory and liberal political institutions (which are now hegemonic), from a Marxist point-of-view. I also suggest that there is a possibility of linking Wood’s political thought with that of Antonio Gramsci, specially his reflections about necessity (economics) and liberty (politics). Both thinkers emphasize the fundamental importance of proper political actions in processes of social transformation.