Marxist theory
Michael Lebowitz: Primitive accumulation versus contested reproduction (video)
[For more articles by or about Michael Lebowitz, click HERE.]
By Michael A. Lebowitz, Ljubljana
May 4, 2013 -- Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal -- If we don't understand a system as it is fully developed [its "being"] and thus its critical characteristics, we cannot investigate the "becoming" of those characteristics.
This is why Marx discussed primitive (or original) accumulation of capital only at the end of volume 1 of Capital. Exclusive focus upon the emergence of the new elements, however, is not real history. "Becoming" is two sided: it is both a coming into being and a passing away. The concept of primitive accumulation explores only the former; it considers the new being born but not the old struggling to remain alive. It is, in short, one-sided. Not only does it fail to explore on its own the struggle of the old for its reproduction but it also does not consider the interaction, the morbid symptoms and dysfunction when two sets of productive relations are engaged in contested reproduction with respect to their control of the elements of production.
‘There are no recipes for socialism’: interview with Hugo Moldiz, Bolivian Marxist
Hugo Moldiz interviewed by Coral Wynter and Jim McIlroy
Reducing production: How should socialists relate to struggles against capitalist growth
By Don Fitz
March 19, 2013 -- Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal -- The question is not should we advocate reducing production within capitalist society but rather: How do we best relate to those struggles that are already occurring? Activists across the globe are challenging the uncontrollable dynamic of economic expansion which threatens the survival of humanity. It has never been more urgent to provide a vision of a new society that can pull these efforts together.
The demand for shorter working hours with no loss in pay has been a key transitional demand.
Marxism, feminism and women's liberation
Alexandra Kollontai, a leading member of the Bolshevik Party and one its
In defence of the transitional method
Sue Bolton speaking at a rally for refugee rights in
Self-guided tours of revolutionary history: Fourth Congress of the Communist International (1922)
Toward the United Front, Proceedings of the Fourth Congress of the Communist International, 192
Ecosocialism 2025
