Capitalist Development and Class Capacities: Marxist Theory and Union Organization

Contributions in Labor Studies #25

by Jerry Lembcke

This thought-provoking study argues for a restoration of the classical Marxist position linking the development process, class formation, and class capacities; in practical terms it argues for a restoration of strategies premised on a dialectical understanding of capitalism that sees the process of proletarianization as a capacity-enhancing one rather than a capacity-eroding one. Lembcke adopts Therborn's position that the fundamental power resource available to the working class is its capacity for unity through mutually supported and concerted practices, and that this capacity is rooted in the organizational structure. His work synthesizes three major areas of thought on the subject, including the work in logics of collective action (Offe and Wiesenthal), studies of class formation (Gordon, Edwards, and Reich) and class capacities (Therborn), and organizational studies done within the strategic choices framework (Cornfield).

220 pages, Hardcover

First published October 6, 1988

About the author

Jerry Lembcke is associate professor emeritus of sociology at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, as well as the author of several books.