Did somebody say populism? Towards a renewal and reorientation of populism studies
Dean, J; Maiguashca, BE
Date: 6 January 2020
Journal
Journal of Political Ideologies
Publisher
Taylor & Francis (Routledge)
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Responding to the recent explosion in scholarly analysis of populism, this paper offers
a conceptual mapping and critique of the dominant schools of thought within the
burgeoning field of populism studies. In the first half of the paper we suggest that two broad
conceptions of populism – one associated with Cas Mudde, the other with ...
Responding to the recent explosion in scholarly analysis of populism, this paper offers
a conceptual mapping and critique of the dominant schools of thought within the
burgeoning field of populism studies. In the first half of the paper we suggest that two broad
conceptions of populism – one associated with Cas Mudde, the other with Ernesto Laclau –
have come to dominate the field. Yet neither of these approaches, we argue, are able to
satisfactorily capture the specificity of contemporary forms of radical politics. Thus, the
second part of the paper examines possible responses to this conceptual impasse. On the
one hand, we recommend a move towards more theoretically and sociologically enriched
accounts of populism, by drawing on the insights and concepts of political sociology,
political theory and cultural studies. On the other, drawing on recent work by Benjamin De
Cleen, Jason Glynos and Aurelien Mondon, we suggest a partial reorientation of populism
towards thinking about populism as a signifier (rather than as a concept). In so doing, we
conclude with a call for greater sensitivity to, and awareness of, the role that discourses
about populism (including scholarly discourses) play in sustaining existing relations of power
and ideology.
Social and Political Sciences, Philosophy, and Anthropology
Faculty of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Item views 0
Full item downloads 0