Divided World Divided Class: Global Political Economy and the Stratification of Labour Under Capitalism

Description

Divided World Divided Class charts the history of the labour aristocracy in the capitalist world system, from its roots in colonialism to its birth and eventual maturation into a full-fledged middle class in the age of imperialism. It argues that pervasive national, racial and cultural chauvinism in the core capitalist countries is not primarily attributable to false class consciousness, ideological indoctrination or ignorance as much left and liberal thinking assumes. Rather, these and related forms of bigotry are concentrated expressions of the major social strata of the core capitalist nations shared economic interest in the exploitation and repression of dependent nations. The book demonstrates not only how redistribution of income derived from super-exploitation has allowed for the amelioration of class conflict in the wealthy capitalist countries, it also shows that the exorbitant super-wage paid to workers there has meant the disappearance of a domestic vehicle for socialism, an exploited working class. Rather, in its place is a deeply conservative metropolitan workforce committed to maintaining, and even extending, its privileged position through imperialism. This second edition includes new material, including: Data showing that despite labours falling share of income, rising average purchasing power within leading imperialist countries has outstripped growing inequality whilst the gap between the richest and poorest countries has widened; Data illustrating rising real wages in Imperial Britain; Further explication of the concepts of value, monopoly capital and unequal exchange and their ramifications for the global class structure; Additional discussion of social imperialism on the left; Responses to criticisms and confusion surrounding the thesis of mass embourgeoisement through imperialism; As well as further information on a range of subjects.