 |
||
|
Basic Marxism : A short study guide to Marxism
Basic marxismSession 11: Classless Society
Subject Matter: As against the Stalinist theory of "socialism in a single country" marxists maintain that decisive steps towards a classless society are possible only on the basis of action by several advanced countries. The ending of class differentiation and the ending of inequality depends on increasing abundance, which requires the highest technological level. On the material basis of abundance "a free association of the producers" replaces class domination and state regulation. Essential reading: Ernest Mandel - From Class Society to Communism Ch.15 pp143-150 Supplementary reading: Karl Marx - Critique of the Gotha Programne (10p) Questions for Discussion: 1. How can the USSR be in any sense a workers state when its form of political rule is so repugnant? 2. How do we prevent bureaucratization of the workers councils and the revolutionary party after the seizure of state power? 3. Why does the Fourth International support a plurality of parties and full democratic rights under socialism? 4. How will workers self management and centralized planning change the consciousness of the masses over time? Won’t human nature tend to a restoration of capitalism? 5. Doesn’t communism only work in primitive societies? Why will it be viable in developed imperialist countries? 6. Will the state and repressive structures really wither away under socialism? 7. What role will there be for the party and organizations of the oppressed in transitional societies? 8. What does Marx mean by "from each according to their ability, to each according to their need’’? Doesn’t communism only want to make every one the same? Further Reading: Engels - Anti-Duhring
|
|
