ABSTRACT 

　　This article offers a review of Carlos L. Garrido’s book, The Purity Fetish and the Crisis of Western Marxism, which is a critical examination of the “purity fetish” in Western Marxism and its impact on socialist theory and practice. Following Garrido’s line, the authors explore the obsession with purity and perfection within Western Marxist thought, drawing connections with both historical and contemporary figures and movements. It addresses how this purity fetish appears in evaluations of socialist struggles, labour organizing, and national narratives, with a particular focus on Western Marxist perspectives on China and its socialist development. The article contends that overcoming this purity fetish is essential for creating the subjective conditions necessary for revolutionary change and avoiding political conservatism within Western Marxist circles. Through a comprehensive critique, the article advocates a dialectical and concrete understanding of socialism, markets, historical narratives, and class struggle. It urges Western Marxists to move beyond ideological rigidity and adopt a more nuanced and dynamic approach to socialist theory and practice. The purpose of this article is to critically analyze these issues, providing insights into how transcending the purity fetish can improve the practical application of socialist principles. 

　　KEYWORDS: Western Marxism; critique; purity fetish; China; socialism 

　　From: International Critical Thought 2024 14 (3) 

　　Editor: Wang Yi