Summary, “Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism” by Fredric Jameson - Book Review

Put simply, Jameson argues that the socioeconomic circumstances of any given society are reflected in its cultural expressions. Drawing on the ideas of economist Ernest Mandel, Jameson outlines the evolution of global capitalism and its impact on cultural production. Mandel's framework divides capitalist history into three technological and economic phases: the era of steam engines, the advent of combustive and electrical power, and the emergence of digital and nuclear technologies. These stages correspond to artistic movements: realism, modernism, and postmodernism, respectively.

In the postmodern era, Jameson contends, traditional boundaries between the state, information institutions, and individuals have blurred, facilitating fluid exchanges of goods and information across previously distinct fields of knowledge. While postmodernism exerts significant influence on contemporary life and intellectual discourse, Jameson emphasizes that it is not the sole social arrangement of the present moment. Nevertheless, its dominance shapes various aspects of modern existence, making it impossible to wholly escape its effects.

Jameson concludes his critique with examples of recent cultural works embodying postmodern thought. "Postmodernism, or, the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism" serves as a rigorous examination of a frequently overlooked period and a cautionary reflection on the limitations of periodization.