Thatcherism exploited real contradictions in the corporatist state, not mere false consciousness

Evidence

But this reading greatly underestimates both the rational core on which these populist constructions are situated, and their real, not false, material basis. Specifically, such a reading neglects the materiality of the contradictions between “the people”—popular needs, interests, desires, and aspirations—on the one hand, and the actual, imposed structures of the interventionist state—the state of the monopoly phase of capitalist development—on the other. “Thatcherism,” far from simply conjuring demons out of the deep, operated directly on the real and manifestly contradictory experience of the popular classes under social-democratic corporatism. — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 1114

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies Hall’s rejection of the ‘false consciousness’ theory of Thatcherism’s appeal, a central conceptual move in his analysis.
• XREF: Connects to Gramsci’s hegemony concept and to Hall’s articulation theory; also contrasts with vulgar Marxist base-superstructure readings.