The trope as trap: Ideology revisited

Abstract

This article revisits the theory of ideology, from Marx through Lukacs and Ricoeur to Zizek, and proposes to conceive of ideology, at least in some instances, as a 'trope gone wrong'. Starting from five basic questions - what causes ideology, where and how does it come about, what is its function and to what extent is it surmountable? - this essay underscores the problematic status of ideology as a theoretical concept. While the article argues that ideology remains a useful notion, it also concludes that there is no theoretical discourse that can make more than a temporary claim to non-ideological status.

Publisher

Taylor & Francis

Publication Date

1-1-2004

Publication Title

Culture, Theory & Critique

Department

Hispanic Studies

Document Type

Article

Language

English

Format

text

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