Between Capitalism and Community

In Between Capitalism and Community, Michael Lebowitz argues that capitalism contains elements of a different society, one of community, and that the struggle of workers in common and activities based on solidarity point in the direction of the organic system of community, an alternative system that produces its own premises, communality, and recognition of the needs of others. To escape the ultimate barbarism portended by the existing crisis of the earth system, the subordination of capitalism by that of community is essential, and the path to community cannot emerge spontaneously but requires a revolutionary party that stresses the development of the capacities of people through their protagonism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 March 2021
Publisher: Monthly Review Press,U.S.

In his groundbreaking book, "Beyond Capital," Michael Lebowitz expands upon the ideas he explored in his award-winning work. Karl Marx, in his seminal text "Capital," primarily focused on capital and the capitalist class, which he regarded as its embodiment. Central to Marx's analysis lies the endless accumulation of capital, its underlying causes, and the profound consequences it engenders. However, in his pursuit of this approach, Marx inadvertently obscured two crucial aspects. Firstly, he downplayed the inherent "immanent drive" and "constant tendency" of capital to divide the working class. Secondly, he neglected to acknowledge the political economy of the working class, characterized by "social production controlled by social foresight."

In his book "Between Capitalism and Community," Lebowitz presents a compelling argument that capitalism possesses inherent elements of a different society—one that revolves around community. Contrary to Marx's intellectual construct, which portrays capitalism as an organic system that perpetuates its premises of capital and wage-labor, including a working class that regards the demands of capital as self-evident natural laws, Lebowitz contends that the struggle of workers in common and activities based on solidarity point toward an alternative system—a community that produces its own premises, communality, and recognition of the needs of others.

To escape the impending barbarism posed by the current crisis of the earth system, where capitalism dominates and subordinates community, the subordination of capitalism to community becomes essential. However, the transition from capitalism to community cannot occur spontaneously, as the interregnum between these two systems is characterized by the interpenetration and mutual deformation of both sides within the larger whole. Therefore, the path to community necessitates a revolutionary party that prioritizes the development of people's capacities through their active participation and protagonism.

In conclusion, "Beyond Capital" by Michael Lebowitz offers a profound exploration of capitalism and its implications. By challenging the traditional understanding of Marx's analysis, Lebowitz presents a fresh perspective that emphasizes the potential for a different society—one based on community—to emerge from within the framework of capitalism. Through his insightful arguments and compelling evidence, Lebowitz calls for a transformative shift towards a more equitable and sustainable world. By subordinating capitalism to community, we can pave the way for a future where human needs are met, social justice is upheld, and the earth's systems are preserved for generations to come.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 138 x 211 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781583678862