Problems in Class Analysis: Production, knowledge, and the function of capital

Problems in Class Analysis, published in 1983, develops a theory of labor domination by capital, arguing that economic relations determine the product of different knowledges and social classes. It bridges theory and contemporary debates in economics, sociology, and epistemology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1983, Problems in Class Analysis presents a comprehensive theory of labor domination by capital, rooted in the understanding that both the product relations and the productive forces themselves, encompassing science and technology, possess a capitalist nature. The author elucidates that all knowledge is inherently shaped by economic relations, whether direct or indirect, leading to the emergence of distinct knowledge systems corresponding to different social classes determined by their position within the economic production relations. Through the formulation and resolution of fundamental problems in class analysis, Dr. Carchedi establishes a vital bridge between the theory of production processes and contemporary debates in economics, sociology, and epistemology.

The book begins by exploring the historical roots of class analysis, tracing its origins back to the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It then delves into the theoretical foundations of the theory, emphasizing the role of social classes, economic relations, and the state in shaping knowledge production. Dr. Carchedi argues that the dominant class in a society controls the means of production, including science and technology, which in turn shapes the knowledge that is produced. He further demonstrates that different social classes have different access to knowledge and different levels of understanding due to their position within the economic production relations.

One of the key insights of Problems in Class Analysis is that knowledge is not neutral or objective but is inherently shaped by the social and economic conditions in which it is produced. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing the political and economic dimensions of knowledge production and the ways in which power relations and inequalities influence the distribution and interpretation of knowledge. This approach challenges the notion of a universal or neutral knowledge system and highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of knowledge and its relationship to power.

Throughout the book, Dr. Carchedi employs a rigorous analytical framework to examine the complex dynamics of class analysis. He explores the role of ideology, socialization, and education in reproducing and perpetuating class inequalities, as well as the ways in which resistance and struggles can challenge and transform these power relations. The author also discusses the relationship between class analysis and other social sciences, such as economics, sociology, and epistemology, highlighting the ways in which these disciplines contribute to our understanding of the world.

Problems in Class Analysis is a seminal work in the field of class analysis, offering a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between labor, capital, and knowledge. It provides a valuable contribution to contemporary debates on social inequality, power relations, and the production of knowledge. By challenging traditional notions of knowledge and power, the book encourages readers to think critically about the social and economic structures that shape our lives and to work towards a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 680g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032398815