Re: Development of productive Forces - Questions

[Adam Rose <adam@xxxxxxxx>]

Carlos outlined two arguments re: the forces of production.

I would say that without doubt the forces of production have continued to
grow. However, as the forces of production have grown the relations of
production are such that their continued growth becomes harder and harder.

The boom from 1945 to 1968 , roughly, could only occur on the basis of
WW1, the slump of 1929 onwards, Fascism in most of Europe and WWII. This
was the price the working class had to pay for the 1945 - 1968 boom.

We have now entered a period of crisis. If the ruling class is to solve
its problems the price the working class will have to pay is even greater than
in the period 1914 - 1945.

However, I do believe that it is possible to divide the means of production
into various sectors according to their role in the economy. Marx distinguished
between "the means of production of the means of production" ( Sector I )
( eg machine tool factories ) ,  the "means of production of the means of
consuption" ( Sector II ) ( eg baked bean tin factories ) and , less
importantly in his time , "the means of production of luxury items for the
ruling class" ( Sector III ).

I think arms production and less importantly advertising belong in Sector III,
and that the "permanent arms economy" in the late 40's , 50's and 60's
was the means by which capitalism, temporarilly of course, returned to
a healthy state.

So perhaps this is argument (c) !

Adam.

Adam Rose
SWP
Manchester
UK


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