monodimensionalism

Monodimensionalism is a philosophical and sociological concept that posits the existence of a single, dominant dimension or framework through which all aspects of human experience, culture, and society are interpreted. The term is most closely associated with the work of the sociologist and philosopher Herbert Marcuse, particularly in his 1964 book *One-Dimensional Man*. Marcuse argued that advanced industrial societies had evolved into a system where all forms of thought, culture, and even dissent were absorbed and neutralized by the dominant capitalist and consumerist structures. This resulted in a "one-dimensional" perspective, where oppositional ideas were reframed within the existing framework, rendering true critique impossible.

In this framework, monodimensionalism suggests that society operates under a unified set of values, norms, and ideological assumptions that shape all forms of expression—politics, art, media, and even personal identity. Criticism or rebellion is often co-opted or redirected to conform with the prevailing system, leaving little room for genuine alternative visions. Marcuse’s analysis was heavily influenced by Marxist theory, particularly the idea of false consciousness, where individuals unknowingly accept the dominant ideology as natural or inevitable.

The concept has been applied beyond Marcuse’s original context, appearing in discussions about media saturation, consumer culture, and the homogenization of globalized societies. Critics argue that monodimensionalism describes a stagnant, rigid system where dissent is either suppressed or diluted, while supporters use it to explain how power structures maintain control through ideological dominance. Some scholars extend the idea to contemporary digital and algorithmic cultures, where personalized content and social media algorithms further reinforce a singular, curated worldview. The theory remains a key reference in debates about ideology, resistance, and the limits of critical thought in modern society.