Limits of Agency and Black Democratic Perfectionism

The text analyzes the tension between individual subjectivity and structural barriers of power. The author critically examines the concept of Black Democratic Perfectionism, warning against the excessive responsibilization of the individual, which may resemble a neoliberal model of self-improvement. A key point is the distinction between associative power (resulting from organization) and bargaining power (dependent on market position and strategic role in production). The analysis demonstrates that courage and organization alone are not enough to break structural asymmetry if a group possesses low material resources or is easily replaceable. These conclusions are particularly relevant in the context of platform workers and the self-employed, where traditional forms of resistance clash with algorithmic management and an oversupply of labor.