Modern Crisis Theory:
Its Relationship to Economic/Financial Crises

A Talk by Roz Bologh and Len Mell

New York City

Wednesday, November 30 at 7:30 p.m.

Is it important to have a theory of crisis? Is it necessary to have a
theory of how society undergoes maturational crises? Is it important to
have a theory of the evolution of society? Is it necessary to have a
theory of the development of social reason?

This is an introductory talk, workshop, and discussion on crisis theory
that requires no prior background. Traditionally the main power that
progressive movements have had is the power of ideas. We don’t have the
power of money, the media or the military; therefore we must regain the
power of ideas. An essential component of progressive movements has always
been a conception of how crises would come about and a theory of the
necessity of the further development of social reason.
Countering the reactionary, irrational and corrupt forces that produce
crises has always been a vision to further the necessary rational
development of society. Organizing to implement this vision is necessary
to bring about greater justice, productivity, and democratization.
Unfortunately, and potentially tragically, the theory of crisis and the
theory of rational development of society have fallen out of fashion
during the last several decades.

In this session we will explain why neglecting or denigrating these two
theories has resulted in the demoralization, fragmentation and
disorientation of progressive forces. Without these theories, progressive
forces have largely lost their ability to articulate the rational hope
that is critical for mobilizing different constituent groups to a common
vision of a plausible alternative society.

We will give a brief introduction to crisis theory and to a theory of
reason and rational development. From this vantage point, we will show
how we can turn the economic, political, ecological and raw material
crises confronting us into an opportunity for a new, more just,
productive and peaceful society and world.

Roz Bologh is professor of sociology at the College of Staten Island and
the Graduate Center, CUNY. She is the author of Dialectical Phenomenolgy:
Marx’s Method, Love or Greatness: Max Weber and Masculine Thinking, A
Feminist Inquiry, as well as numerous articles. She is the vice chair and
grievance counselor at the College of Staten Island Chapter of the
Professional Staff Congress (PSC) CUNY.

Len Mell is a student of Dr. Bologh and has been a tenant organizer in
Brooklyn. He has co-authored several articles with Professor Bologh,
including “The Spectre of Financial Crisis and the Failure of the Left.”

Suggested Donation: $7–$10

The New SPACE (The New School for Pluralistic Anti-Capitalist Education)
has moved to the


Clemente Soto Vélez Cultural & Educational Center at
107 Suffolk Street, NYC.

Located between Rivington and Delancey Streets. F train to Delancey or J,
M, or Z to Essex Street. We meet on the second floor in the Art Gallery.