Sociologist Musa al-Gharbi's "We Have Never Been Woke" Draws Attention for Empirically Supported Critique of Elite Culture

A recent social media post has highlighted the work of Musa al-Gharbi, author of the book We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. The tweet from user "i/o" stated, "An excellent thread by the author of We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite. You may not agree with him, but most of his points have empirical support." This assertion underscores the book's analytical approach to contemporary social issues.

Musa al-Gharbi, a sociologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University and a Daniel Bell Research Fellow at Heterodox Academy, posits that while society theoretically values equality and diversity, social and economic inequality have simultaneously escalated. His work argues that these trends are interconnected, linked to the emergence of a "new elite" or "symbolic capitalists." This group primarily engages with ideas, words, and data, often championing progressive causes.

The core of al-Gharbi's argument, supported by sociological and economic data, suggests that the "wokeness" espoused by this elite, while seemingly sincere, often serves to perpetuate the very inequalities they decry. Reviews of the book frequently highlight its detailed documentation of these contradictions. For instance, it examines how elites' self-serving narratives can prevent them from recognizing their contributions to social problems.

The book delves into observations from elite institutions and affluent areas, detailing instances where professed concern for marginalized groups appears to coexist with actions that benefit the elite. Al-Gharbi's analysis, as noted by various critics, provides a "thorough and provocative critique" of the contemporary "woke" movement. His work has been recognized, including being longlisted for the Non-Obvious Book Awards and winning the Open Inquiry Award for Exceptional Scholarship.

We Have Never Been Woke is presented as a significant contribution to understanding the ongoing "culture war" and the dynamics of "elite overproduction." The book challenges readers to consider whether "wokeness" genuinely aims for social justice or if it functions as a system that allows elites to justify and maintain their privilege, even at the expense of those they claim to assist. Its empirical grounding is a key aspect drawing attention from various commentators and readers.