Who is John Bellamy Foster and what are his primary areas of academic focus?

John Bellamy Foster is an American professor of sociology at the University of Oregon and the editor of the publication Monthly Review. His academic work centers on the political economy of capitalism and economic crisis, the relationship between ecology and ecological crisis, and Marxist theory.

When and where was John Bellamy Foster born?

John Bellamy Foster was born on August 19, 1953, in Seattle, Washington. This means he was 72 years old as of the information's implied date.

What are John Bellamy Foster's academic credentials and where did he obtain them?

John Bellamy Foster earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1977 and his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in 1984 from York University. His Ph.D. dissertation formed the basis for one of his early books.

What is John Bellamy Foster's primary academic position?

He holds the position of Professor of Sociology at the University of Oregon. He began as an assistant professor in 1986 and became a full professor in the year 2000.

When did John Bellamy Foster first become involved with Monthly Review?

Foster published his inaugural article for Monthly Review in 1981, titled Is Monopoly Capital an Illusion?. He later became more deeply involved, joining the Monthly Review Foundation Board in 1989.

What editorial roles has John Bellamy Foster held at Monthly Review?

Foster joined the Monthly Review editorial committee in 1989. He became a co-editor in 2000, and following the deaths of his predecessors Paul Sweezy and Harry Magdoff, he became the sole editor of the magazine.

What was the subject of John Bellamy Foster's doctoral dissertation?

John Bellamy Foster's Ph.D. dissertation focused on Marxian political economies and theories of capitalist development, specifically elaborating on the theory of monopoly capital as developed by Paul Sweezy and Paul Baran.

When did Foster begin to focus his research on ecological issues?

In the late 1980s, Foster shifted his academic focus towards ecological issues, exploring the connections between the global environmental crisis and the crises inherent in the capitalist economy.

What key concept did John Bellamy Foster introduce in his work on ecology?

Foster's influential reinterpretation of Marx's ideas on ecology introduced the concept of metabolic rift, which describes the disruption of natural cycles caused by capitalist production and its impact on the relationship between society and nature.

Which of Foster's books received recognition from the American Sociological Association?

His book Marx's Ecology: Materialism and Nature received the book award from the American Sociological Association's Section on Marxist Sociology. Additionally, his work on metabolic rift contributed to him receiving the Distinguished Contribution Award from the ASA's Environment and Technology section.

What is the central theme of Foster's book Ecology Against Capitalism?

Ecology Against Capitalism presents a critique of capitalist economics from an environmental perspective, advocating for a sustainable, socialist alternative to address the ecological challenges posed by the current economic system.

How did Foster's analysis of political economy evolve following the events of September 2001?

Following September 2001, Foster's work returned to the political economy of capitalism with a renewed focus on the role of U.S. foreign policy and the increasing projection of American military power globally, as detailed in his book Naked Imperialism.

What term does Foster use to describe the current phase of capitalism characterized by financial dominance?

Foster uses the term monopoly-finance Capital to describe the current phase of capitalism, which he views as being led by financial activities and institutions, building upon earlier theories of monopoly capital.

What significant economic events are addressed in Foster's writings on financialization?

Foster has authored several books that address the financialization of capitalism and its consequences, including specific analyses of the 2008 financial crisis.

What is the subject matter of the book Critique of Intelligent Design, co-authored by Foster?

Critique of Intelligent Design, co-authored with Brett Clark and Richard York, delves into materialist philosophy and examines the relationship between ancient Greek philosophy, particularly Epicurus, and Karl Marx. It defends historical materialism as a scientific worldview against non-materialist ideologies.

What award did John Bellamy Foster receive in 2020, and for which work?

In 2020, John Bellamy Foster was awarded the Deutscher Memorial Prize for his book The Return of Nature: Socialism and Ecology.

What does Foster explore in his book The Return of Nature: Socialism and Ecology?

In The Return of Nature, Foster investigates how various socialist analysts and materialist scientists, spanning from William Morris and Friedrich Engels to figures like Rachel Carson, developed a concept of dialectical naturalism rooted in a critique of capitalism.

What was the title of the paper John Bellamy Foster submitted to Paul Sweezy in 1979?

The paper John Bellamy Foster submitted to Paul Sweezy in 1979 was titled The United States and Monopoly Capital: The Issue of Excess Capacity.

Besides Monthly Review, in which academic journals did Foster publish early in his career?

Early in his academic career, John Bellamy Foster published articles in respected journals such as The Quarterly Journal of Economics and Science & Society.

What is the significance of the concept of metabolic rift in Foster's work?

The concept of metabolic rift is significant as it provides a theoretical framework to understand how capitalist economic systems disrupt the natural ecological cycles, linking social metabolism (human interaction with nature) to environmental degradation.

What is the primary focus of Foster's 2006 book, Naked Imperialism?

Naked Imperialism, published in 2006, analyzes the increasing global military presence and aggressive foreign policy of the United States, particularly in the aftermath of the September 2001 events.

What does Foster's term monopoly-finance Capital signify about contemporary capitalism?

The term monopoly-finance Capital signifies Foster's view that contemporary capitalism is characterized by the dominance of financial activities and institutions, representing an evolution from earlier forms of monopoly capitalism.

What topics are covered in Foster's book The Endless Crisis?

Co-authored with Robert W. McChesney, The Endless Crisis likely examines persistent economic downturns and systemic issues within modern capitalism, building on their analyses of economic crises.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the provided text regarding John Bellamy Foster?

The 'See also' section lists related academic fields and concepts such as Eco-socialism, Environmental sociology, and Metabolic rift, highlighting areas of scholarly connection and influence pertinent to Foster's work.

What does Foster's book Marx's Ecology: Materialism and Nature explore?

Marx's Ecology: Materialism and Nature explores Karl Marx's philosophical and scientific views on nature and materialism, offering a reinterpretation of his ideas concerning the relationship between human society and the natural world.

What does Foster's book Capitalism in the Anthropocene: Ecological Ruin or Ecological Revolution likely discuss?

Published in 2022, Capitalism in the Anthropocene likely examines the profound impact of human activity on the planet during the Anthropocene era, framing the situation as a critical juncture between ecological destruction and the necessity for revolutionary change.

What does the sidebar titled Imperialism studies suggest about John Bellamy Foster's academic contributions?

The sidebar indicates that John Bellamy Foster's work is situated within the field of Imperialism studies, listing related theories, concepts, influential figures, and key texts associated with this area of research.

What is the significance of Foster's long-term role as editor of Monthly Review?

Foster's extensive involvement and eventual sole editorship of Monthly Review, a journal known for its critical socialist perspective, signifies his prominent position and influence in shaping discourse within Marxist political economy and related fields.

How does Foster's concept of metabolic rift connect social and ecological issues?

Foster's concept of metabolic rift connects the social metabolism, which refers to the way human societies interact with and transform nature, to the ecological crisis. It argues that capitalist modes of production inherently create unsustainable disruptions in this relationship.

What is the central argument presented in Foster's book The Vulnerable Planet?

The Vulnerable Planet offers a concise economic history of the environment, likely arguing that the planet's ecological systems are increasingly threatened by current economic practices, particularly those driven by capitalist accumulation.

How does Foster's ecological work relate to his earlier theories on monopoly capital?

Foster's ecological research builds upon his earlier analysis of monopoly capital by demonstrating how the dynamics of advanced capitalist economies, including monopolies, contribute significantly to ecological crises, thus reinforcing his call for socialist alternatives.

What does Foster's work on 'dialectical naturalism' aim to achieve?

Foster's exploration of dialectical naturalism, particularly in The Return of Nature, seeks to synthesize a scientific understanding of the natural world with a critical analysis of capitalism, aiming to develop a framework for ecological sustainability within socialist thought.

What is the significance of the Deutscher Memorial Prize?

The Deutscher Memorial Prize is a prestigious award recognizing significant contributions to Marxist scholarship, highlighting the importance and impact of the awarded work within that intellectual tradition.

What might be the focus of Foster's book Trump in the White House: Tragedy and Farce?

This book likely offers a critical analysis of the political and economic implications of Donald Trump's presidency, viewed through the lens of Foster's established perspectives on capitalism, foreign policy, and social structures.

What is the core objective of Foster's research into the political economy of capitalism?

Foster's research in this area critically examines the functioning of capitalist economic systems, often focusing on issues such as capital accumulation, economic crises, social inequality, and the interplay between economic structures and political power.

What foundational knowledge did Foster gain from his graduate studies in political science?

His graduate studies in political science at York University provided him with a strong theoretical grounding in political economy and sociology, which significantly shaped his subsequent academic work, particularly his engagement with Marxist theory.

How does Foster's work engage with the concept of imperialism?

Foster's work, notably his book Naked Imperialism, critically engages with theories of imperialism by analyzing the global economic and political dominance exerted by powerful nations, such as the United States.

What is the primary contribution of Foster's concept of metabolic rift to environmental sociology?

The concept of metabolic rift provides environmental sociology with a theoretical tool to understand the fundamental link between capitalist economic activities and ecological degradation, positing that capital accumulation inherently disrupts natural systems.

What does Foster's book Marx's Ecology: Materialism and Nature aim to achieve?

This book aims to reinterpret Karl Marx's writings on nature and materialism, providing a deeper understanding of his views on the relationship between human society and the natural environment within a Marxist framework.

What is the likely subject matter of the book The Ecological Rift?

Co-authored with Brett Clark and Richard York, The Ecological Rift likely expands upon the concept of metabolic rift, detailing the ecological consequences stemming from capitalist development and its inherent drive for expansion.

What is the significance of Foster's engagement with scholars like Paul Sweezy and Paul Baran?

Foster's engagement with Sweezy and Baran highlights his deep connection to and contribution to the lineage of Marxist political economy, particularly their foundational work on the theory of monopoly capital.

What does Foster's book Marx and the Earth likely address?

Marx and the Earth, co-authored with Paul Burkett, appears to serve as a defense or clarification of Marx's perspectives on nature and ecology, potentially countering common misinterpretations or critiques of Marxist environmental thought.

What does John Bellamy Foster's role as Professor of Sociology at the University of Oregon involve?

As Professor of Sociology at the University of Oregon, Foster is engaged in teaching and conducting research within his specialized fields, contributing to academic discourse and the education of students.

What is the unifying theme across Foster's diverse research areas, including political economy, ecology, and Marxism?

The unifying theme across Foster's work is a critical analysis of capitalism, examining its economic structures, its profound impact on the environment, and exploring potential socialist alternatives grounded in the principles of historical materialism.

What does the presence of the Imperialism studies sidebar suggest about Foster's academic context?

The sidebar indicates that John Bellamy Foster's research and writings are recognized as significant contributions within the academic field of Imperialism studies, connecting him to a broader body of work on the subject.

What is the purpose of the Authority Control databases listed for John Bellamy Foster?

The Authority Control databases provide standardized identifiers and links to external resources, serving to uniquely identify John Bellamy Foster and catalog information about his works and affiliations across various international and national library and academic systems.

What does Foster's work on the financialization of capitalism aim to explain?

Foster's work on the financialization of capitalism seeks to explain how financial markets and institutions have become increasingly dominant within the capitalist system, analyzing its effects on economic stability and crisis.

What is the relationship between Foster's work and the concept of 'social metabolism'?

Foster's concept of metabolic rift connects the ecological crisis to the social metabolism, arguing that capitalist production disrupts the natural cycles necessary for life, creating an unsustainable imbalance between society and the environment.

John Bellamy Foster Wiki: John Bellamy Foster: Theorist of Capital, Ecology, and Global Systems

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Early Life & Education

Transatlantic Beginnings

Born in Seattle, Washington, on August 19, 1953, John Bellamy Foster's academic journey took him across borders. In 1976, he relocated to Canada to pursue graduate studies in Political Science at York University in Toronto.

Foundational Scholarship

His early academic work laid the groundwork for his later theories. His 1979 paper, "The United States and Monopoly Capital: The Issue of Excess Capacity," was submitted to Paul Sweezy of Monthly Review. Foster's doctoral dissertation, published in 1986 as The Theory of Monopoly Capitalism: An Elaboration of Marxian Political Economy, provided a rigorous theoretical foundation for his subsequent research.

Academic Career Path

Foster began his academic career with a visiting position at The Evergreen State College in 1985. The following year, he joined the University of Oregon as an assistant professor of sociology, eventually becoming a full professor in 2000. This academic tenure provided a stable platform for his extensive research and writing.

Monthly Review: A Lifelong Commitment

Early Engagement

Foster's association with Monthly Review began during his graduate studies. His first article, "Is Monopoly Capital an Illusion?", appeared in 1981. His deep commitment to the journal's intellectual tradition led him to join the Monthly Review Foundation Board in 1989 and its editorial committee.

Ascending to Editorship

In 2000, alongside Robert McChesney, Foster became a co-editor of Monthly Review, working alongside its founders Paul Sweezy and Harry Magdoff. Following Sweezy's death in 2004 and Magdoff's in 2006, Foster emerged as the sole editor, continuing the journal's legacy of critical analysis of political economy and global affairs.

Pioneering Contributions

Monopoly Capital Theory

Foster's initial research significantly advanced the theory of monopoly capital, building upon the seminal work of Paul Baran and Paul Sweezy. His book, The Theory of Monopoly Capitalism, and the co-edited volume The Faltering Economy, provided detailed elaborations on the dynamics of capital accumulation in advanced capitalist economies, particularly focusing on issues of excess capacity and stagnation.

Ecology and Capitalism

In the late 1980s, Foster shifted his focus to the critical intersection of ecology and capitalism. His seminal work, including The Vulnerable Planet and Marx's Ecology: Materialism and Nature, introduced and popularized the concept of "metabolic rift." This framework analyzes the ecological disruptions caused by capitalist production, arguing for a sustainable, socialist alternative.

Monopoly-Finance Capital

More recently, Foster has analyzed the evolution of capitalism, particularly its shift towards a "monopoly-finance capital" phase. His work addresses the financialization of the economy, the dynamics of global U.S. foreign policy, and the systemic crises, such as the 2008 financial crisis, stemming from these developments.

Key Theoretical Concepts

Metabolic Rift

This concept, drawn from Marx's analysis of nature, describes the disruption of the essential metabolic relationship between humanity and the natural environment caused by the logic of capital accumulation. It highlights how capitalist production degrades natural resources and social conditions, creating ecological crises.

Social Metabolism

Related to metabolic rift, social metabolism refers to the material and energetic exchange between human society and nature. Foster uses this to analyze how capitalism transforms and often degrades this exchange, leading to unsustainable practices and environmental degradation.

Monopoly-Finance Capital

Foster's term for the current phase of capitalism, characterized by the dominance of large monopolistic corporations and the increasing power of financial institutions. This phase is marked by financialization, speculative bubbles, and a drive for global economic and political control.

Selected Major Works

Scholarly Publications

John Bellamy Foster has authored and co-authored numerous influential books that have shaped contemporary Marxist and ecological thought. His publications span decades, reflecting a consistent engagement with the core issues of capitalism and its crises.

The Vulnerable Planet (1999)
Marx's Ecology (2000)
Ecology Against Capitalism (2002)
The Great Financial Crisis (with Fred Magdoff, 2009)
The Ecological Rift (with Brett Clark and Richard York, 2010)
The Endless Crisis (with Robert McChesney, 2012)
The Theory of Monopoly Capitalism (2014)
Marx and the Earth (with Paul Burkett, 2016)
Trump in the White House: Tragedy and Farce (2017)
The Return of Nature: Socialism and Ecology (2020)
Capitalism in the Anthropocene: Ecological Ruin or Ecological Revolution (2022)

Additionally, his influential article "Marx's Theory of Metabolic Rift" was published in the American Journal of Sociology (1999).

Recognition and Accolades

Deutscher Memorial Prize

In 2020, John Bellamy Foster was awarded the prestigious Deutscher Memorial Prize for his book The Return of Nature: Socialism and Ecology. This award recognizes significant contributions to Marxist scholarship and theory, highlighting the impact of his work on ecological thought within a Marxist framework.

Academic Distinction

Foster has also received accolades from the American Sociological Association, including the Distinguished Contribution Award from the Environment and Technology section for his work on metabolic rift, and a book award for Marx's Ecology from the Section on Marxist Sociology.

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References

The Planetary Emergency with Brett Clark, Monthly Review

A full list of references for this article are available at the John Bellamy Foster Wikipedia page

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This page has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on John Bellamy Foster, and may not encompass all nuances or the most current developments in his work.

This is not academic advice. The information presented here is not a substitute for rigorous academic study, direct engagement with Foster's primary texts, or consultation with qualified scholars in political economy, sociology, or environmental studies. Always consult original sources and scholarly literature for comprehensive understanding.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or interpretations derived from the information provided herein.

John Bellamy Foster: A Critical Lens

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Early Life & Education 🎓

🌍 Transatlantic Beginnings

📚 Foundational Scholarship

🏛️ Academic Career Path

Monthly Review: A Lifelong Commitment 📰

✍️ Early Engagement

👑 Ascending to Editorship

Pioneering Contributions 🚀

📈 Monopoly Capital Theory

🌳 Ecology and Capitalism

💰 Monopoly-Finance Capital

Key Theoretical Concepts 🧠

💔 Metabolic Rift

🔄 Social Metabolism

🏢 Monopoly-Finance Capital

Selected Major Works 📚

📖 Scholarly Publications

Recognition and Accolades 🏆

🏅 Deutscher Memorial Prize

⭐ Academic Distinction

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life & Education

Transatlantic Beginnings

Foundational Scholarship

Academic Career Path

Monthly Review: A Lifelong Commitment

Early Engagement

Ascending to Editorship

Pioneering Contributions

Monopoly Capital Theory

Ecology and Capitalism

Monopoly-Finance Capital

Key Theoretical Concepts

Metabolic Rift

Social Metabolism

Monopoly-Finance Capital

Selected Major Works

Scholarly Publications

Recognition and Accolades

Deutscher Memorial Prize

Academic Distinction

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice