Superstructure

Discussion

In the context of Kojin Karatani's book, The Structure of World History, via DeepSeek:

"In the work of Japanese philosopher Kojin Karatani, the concept of the Superstructure undergoes a radical reinterpretation. Moving beyond the classical Marxist definition where the superstructure (culture, law, politics, ideology) is a mere reflection of the economic base, Karatani posits it as a relatively autonomous and active force. For Karatani, the superstructure is the realm of ethical and symbolic norms that not only legitimize but also precede and make possible specific modes of exchange.

This formulation is central to his project of rewriting world history not through modes of production, but through the lens of dominant modes of exchange (A, B, C, and D), each supported by its own distinct superstructural complex."

More information

For more context, see:

• Historical Approach to Shifts in Modes of Exchange