Jacobin Radio Confronting Capitalism: Why Class Matters
Aug 27, 2025
Dive into the essence of Marxist class analysis and its crucial role in understanding capitalism. Explore the complex dynamics of the capitalist and working classes, and discover the unique position of the petty bourgeoisie. Learn about the evolving nature of class with technological changes and the importance of collective action among workers. The discussion emphasizes the need for clarity in capitalist discourse and the necessity of building coalitions in labor politics to enhance political organizing and worker rights.
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Class As A Determinant, Not A Label
- Marxist class is an economic relationship that structures incomes rather than an income bracket label.
- Your class position constrains likely earnings and life outcomes under capitalism.
Class As A Social Relation
- The capitalist class and the working class form an interdependent exploiter-exploited relation central to capitalism.
- Capitalists derive income by commanding others' labor while workers' income is subject to that command.
Tiny Minority, Massive Power
- Capitalists are a very small share of the labor force but hold disproportionate economic and political power.
- Large capitalists and CEOs command far more social power than numerically larger small capitalists.
