Reading Capital With Comrades

Our twelfth episode studies the last part of the book, chapters 26-33, which Marx begins by critiquing bourgeois political economy’s concept of “primitive accumulation.” Throughout the book so far, Marx has assumed that the conditions of capitalism already exist: a class of those with nothing to sell but their labor power and a class that owns the means of production (while noting they are not “natural” conditions). Now we discover how these conditions–and the legal and ideological structure of capitalism–came to be: the individual and state-sanctioned thefts of land, the repression (including incarceration, whipping, branding, and execution) of the dispossessed, slavery, and colonialism. Along the way, Marx presents a brief but important summary/overview of the rise of capitalism and the potential rise of socialism, as well as some quick hints about what exactly revolution might entail. Noting that Marx never relegated this form of accumulation to a bygone era, we go over some examples of how it shows up today and how it continues to be important to capitalism. Contact us with questions or feedback at ReadingCapital@LiberationSchool.org

Our eleventh episode concentrates on chapter 25, where Marx synthesizes his findings so far to articulate some general laws (or tendencies) of capitalist accumulation. We cover the different compositions of capital before turning to the two models of accumulation Marx proposes, the difference between concentration and centralization, and how the centralization of capital provides the material foundation for communism. We clarify the general law of capitalist accumulation and the absolute general law of capitalist accumulation before examining the impacts they have on the working class, including the production of an industrial reserve army. After examining how the reserve army serves as a lever of capitalist accumulation, we go next to reviewing some of the layers of the industrial reserve army--including the “dangerous classes”--and relating them to our contemporary condition. We draw out that here Marx is insisting that the working class includes all of those who are oppressed and exploited by capitalism and what this means for organizing. Finally, we spend some time on the colonization of Ireland and how Marx’s thought about the relationship between anti-colonial and socialist revolution developed over time. Articles mentioned in this chapter US gov’t jobs report: The reality behind the fakery https://www.liberationnews.org/us-govt-jobs-report-the-reality-behind-the-fakery/ Contact us with questions or feedback at ReadingCapital@LiberationSchool.org

Our tenth episode marks a transition from examining the production of capital on an individual scale to capitalism as a totality that continually reproduces and expands. We begin with the introduction to Part 7 of the book (the only part that has one), where Marx defines the circulation of capital and articulates the assumptions he makes in the following 3 chapters. Then in chapter 23, we define simple reproduction, a logical schema Marx uses to set the the stage for the next two chapters on reproduction on an expanding scale. Simple reproduction allows us to see that the reproduction of capital is the reproduction of the class relation--of the command of capital over labor--and that it is the working class that reproduces the totality of capital. Next, we return to Marx’s concept of productive labor in light of this analysis, because here Marx shows that workers--even those who are unemployed or engaged in non-waged forms of work--are still crucial to reproducing capitalism. With chapter 24, we move from simple reproduction to reproduction on an expanding scale--or the accumulation of capital--where Marx corrects some erroneous assumptions of bourgeois political economy, attends to the relationship between economic production, the legal system, and ideology, and explains how the logic of capital requires the constant revolutionizing of the means of production. We again draw out his mention of communism and consider its relationship to his earlier remarks. Article mentioned in this episode: Social reproduction: A theoretical framework with organizing potential https://liberationschool.org/social-reproduction-a-theoretical-framework-with-organizing-potential/ Contact us with questions or feedback at ReadingCapital@LiberationSchool.org

Dive into the intriguing world of productive labor and uncover Marx's definitions that reshape our understanding of class struggle. The conversation highlights how wages serve as a tool for capitalists, exploring the ideological implications behind different wage structures. Tune in for insights into the exploiative nature of gig work and adjunct labor, revealing how consumer feedback impacts labor quality. The discussion also examines global wage disparities and the effects of international trade, particularly under the shadow of China's influence.

Reading chapter 15 on machinery and modern industry, episode 8 focuses on the relationship between technology, capital, and class struggle. After examining Marx’s method of approaching technological transformation, we show how machinery provides the adequate technical foundations for the capitalist mode of production because it displaces and objectifies the knowledge and skills that were formerly held in the living body of the worker. Going through the different sections of the chapter and assessing how they relate to our contemporary organizing, we review: the role machinery plays in capitalist expansion (in terms of class power, colonialism, and imperialism); how it changes the life and organization of work by atomizing workers and subjecting our labor and bodies to machinery; how technology is a response to and site of class struggle; and the role that the state plays in all of this. Because machinery enables capitalism to stand on its own, we also get a first glimpse at industrial cycles of expansion and crisis and how capitalism produces structural unemployment (an industrial reserve army). Throughout the episode, we pay attention to technology fetishism and the idea that technology “develops” and “advances,” and that it’s always a gain for humanity. We also highlight Marx’s mention of how communism could transform the role technology plays in our lives and the world at large. Contact us with questions or feedback at ReadingCapital@LiberationSchool.org

Delve into the intricate dynamics of surplus value, exploring how capitalists boost exploitation without extending the workday. Discover the evolution of absolute versus relative surplus value and how cooperation among workers paradoxically empowers them while reinforcing exploitation. The podcast critiques labor alienation and highlights the historical roots of Taylorism, revealing its impact on modern work practices. Finally, it contrasts capitalist chaos with the promise of collective planning, advocating for a more democratic approach to labor.

Delve into the heart of class struggle as it drives capitalism and influences labor power's value. Explore the historical establishment of the 'normal working day' and how control over time is vital to this ongoing battle. The discussion touches on the state's duality in managing class conflicts and examines the profound impact of slavery and colonialism on capitalism's evolution. Historical labor resistance in early industrial England and the fight for regulated working hours highlight the fight for justice in the workforce.

Dive into the complexities of surplus value and labor exploitation. Discover the stark distinction between labor as a commodity and its effects on class struggle. Explore how capitalism influences both human experience and the environment. The podcast critiques traditional views on labor, illuminating the capitalist dynamics that allow for worker exploitation. It also tackles the relationship between skilled and unskilled labor, revealing how both play crucial roles in value creation within capitalist structures.

Delve into the intricacies of capitalism as concepts like surplus value and labor power take center stage. The discussion reveals the stark economic realities highlighted by the pandemic, where rising foreclosures contrast with billionaire wealth. Unravel the distinctions between money and capital through Marx's lens, while examining how labor power emerges as a unique commodity. The episode critiques the high costs of education in the U.S., comparing it with global approaches that treat education as a right. Explore the ongoing class struggles that shape our economic landscape.

Dive into the fascinating world of money and exchange! Discover how money evolves from barter, transforming the dynamics of trade. Explore the contradictions between use-value and exchange-value and their implications in today’s economy. Unpack the complexities of price versus value, particularly in the context of sanctions and tariffs. Learn about money’s roles as a measure of value and medium of circulation, and navigate the intricate relationships that shape our capitalist realities.