-----Original Message----- From: Carrol Cox <cbcox at ilstu.edu>
> There's a reason they call it political economy after all................
Yes -- but my point still holds, since I hold that the the theory (from political economy) has no grip on political practice even if valid. Clearly (even assuming the distinction) there is no difference in the class relation _or_ in the economic/social experience of productive and unproductive workers.
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First of all, it's not a theory, it's a mere hypothesis. Second even if what you claim holds for *that* hypothesis, it is nonsense to say that various theories of political economy have no impact on the political strategies-tactics of those who use them. The entire history of social movements since the industrial revolution -at the very least- point to the ridiculousness of such a claim.
Another point -- there is debate over whether or not there _is_ a "Marxist Political Economy" -- as opposed to a "Marxist Critique of Political Economy." I am currently leaning to the latter position.
Carrol
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Well I'm inclined to agree on that point. There's plenty of critique of political economy cum economic theory that is not Marxist and that motivates people who use such theories to do political work that even hoity toity Marxists would find worthwhile if they came down from Mt. Olympus.
Ian