The Political Economy of Digital Monopolies
Contradictions and Alternatives to Data Commodification
By Paško Bilić, Toni Prug and Mislav Žitko
Published
Jul 16, 2021Page count
230 pagesISBN
978-1529212372Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 16, 2021Page count
230 pagesISBN
978-1529212396Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
Jul 16, 2021Page count
230 pagesISBN
978-1529212396Imprint
Bristol University Press
The Political Economy of Digital Monopolies
In the media
On our blog: The elusive public control of digital monopoly platforms
At a time when the practices of technology companies continue to attract fierce criticism, this book asks what it actually means to hold a 'monopoly' in the tech world and how it might affect the way in which an organization operates.
Combining new and traditional Marxian perspectives, the authors offer an in-depth analysis of how these technology giants are produced, financialized, and regulated.
As technology firms continue to shape our political and socio-economic landscape, this book will be an invaluable resource for scholars and students who seek to understand the function of technological monopolies in contemporary capitalism.
"Our world has come to be dominated by a few giant high-tech corporations whose power and impact have, rightly, drawn much comment. However, rigorous analysis of their financial and monopolistic character is scarce. In this thoughtful book the authors creatively apply Marxist theory to help us understand the role and significance of these digital titans." Peter Golding, Northumbria University
"The utopian promises made at the start of 'the digital age' have not come true. If you wish to understand why – and why Marx remains indispensable – read this book!" Tony Smith, Iowa State University
"In this thoroughly researched and clearly written book, critical theory confronts the concentration of power in cyber-monopolies to advance our understanding of digital capitalism. The authors skilfully assess proposals for both reform and social transformation." Vincent Mosco, author of The Smart City in a Digital World
Paško Bilić is a research associate at the Institute for Development and International Relations in Zagreb.
Toni Prug is an independent researcher based in Croatia.
Mislav Žitko is a lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Zagreb.
1. Introduction: Context of Digital Monopolies
2. Production, Circulation, and the Science of Forms: Theoretical Foundations
3. Marxian Perspectives on Monopolies
4. Platforms, Advertising, and Users
5. Financialization and Regulation
6. Controlling, Processing, and Commercializing Data
7. Conclusion: Contradictions and Alternatives to Data Commodification
