GABRIEL TARDE, POSTFORDISMEN OG DET SOSIALES ONTOLOGI

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss the basic sociological concepts of Gabriel Tarde and in particular his economic sociology, in relation to Maurizio Lazzarato's recent book Puissances de l'invention. The article presents an analysis of Tarde's social ontology, and Tarde's understanding of sociology as an intercerebral psychology where the primary relations between agents lead to different processes of imitations, oppositions and adaptations. Imitation is the process that can explain the overall conformism in society, but different patterns of imitations form oppositions and new inventions need to be integrated into society through adaptations. The importance of inventions comes to the forefront in Tarde's economic sociology. They make it possible for Tarde to decentre classical economic theory and its emphasis upon reproductive patterns of wealth. Lazzarato follows these insights in a critique of the economic relations under Postfordism. This regime of economic regulation is, in a much more fundamental way than previous ones, dependent upon the ingenuity and inventiveness of the workers. At the same time traditional economic concepts are seen to be unsuitable in order to understand its dynamic. The control of the inventiveness by Capital is an obstacle for the free combination of inventive forces. Lazzarato can, however, be criticised for ignoring Tarde's historical frame of reference and, especially, the importance of the concept of civilisation as opposed to the nation-state. A reinterpretation of Tarde's views is presented in relation to this critique and makes it possible to address Tarde's lack of actuality for most of the 20th century.