Theory of the productive forces

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The theory of the productive forces, sometimes referred to as productive force determinism, is a variation of historical materialism and Marxism that places primary emphasis on technical advances as the basis for advances and changes in the social structure and culture of a given civilization. The relative strength assigned to the role of technical or technological progress in impacting society and social advancement differs among different schools of Marxist thinkers. A related concept is technological determinism.

On a prescriptive level, this view places a strong emphasis on the necessity of strengthening the

In this view, actual socialism, being based on social ownership and a wide distribution of an abundant surplus product, cannot come to pass until that society's ability to produce wealth is built up enough to satisfy its whole population and to support socialist production methods. Using this theory as a basis for their practical programmes meant that communist theoreticians and leaders in most socialist states, while paying lip service to the primacy of ideological change in individuals to sustain a communist society, actually put productive forces first and ideological change second.

The theory of the productive forces is encapsulated in the following quote from The German Ideology:

[I]t is only possible to achieve real liberation in the real world [...] by employing real means[.] [S]lavery cannot be abolished without the steam-engine and the mule and spinning-jenny, serfdom cannot be abolished without improved agriculture, and that, in general, people cannot be liberated as long as they are unable to obtain food and drink, housing and clothing in adequate quality and quantity. "Liberation" is a historical and not a mental act, and it is brought about by historical conditions, the development of industry, commerce, agriculture, the conditions of intercourse [Verkehr].

— Karl Marx, The German Ideology, "Part I: Feuerbach. Opposition of the Materialist and Idealist Outlook"

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Based on the theory of the productive forces and related perspectives, in the economic systems of the former

• The German Ideology by Karl Marx, Part I: Feuerbach.
• The rise of capitalism by Chris Harman
• The Poverty of Philosophy by Karl Marx

See also

• Economic determinism
• Historical materialism
• Information revolution
• Mode of production
• Socialist mode of production
• Technological determinism

References