In this colletion of essays the eminent social scientist, Dr. P.C. Joshi, argues that Marxism needs to be extended beyond the traditional confines set by Lenin and Mao in order to remain relevant in societies in which individuals have freedom of political expression and which are witnessing gigantic strides in communication technology. In democratic societies with a vibrant media, the Lenin-Mao inspired templates of conspiracy and peoples' war carry far less traction than in autocracies where communism has been successful. Dr. Joshi argues that democracy is ingrained in the spirit and legacy of Marx and the two can be true partners in social development. This requires tapping into classes and strata not considered by mainstream Marxists such as intermediate classes, intellectuals and bureaucrats, and harnessing the liberating potential offered by advances in technology.
Foreword by Dipankar Gupta
1. Reflections on Marxism and Social Revolution in India
2. Roots of the Politico-Economic Problem: Basis-Superstructure Relations Reconsidered
3. Class and Social Transformation in India: Possibilities and Constraints of Intermediate Classes
4. Capitalism and the Labouring Poor: Victims or Transforming Agents
5. Socialism: A Lost Cause or A Long Revolution?
6. On Return to Marxism as a Scientific Enterprise
7. Some Fundamental Aspects of Socialist Transformation in India
8. Imperatives of Renewal of Socialism
9. Social Parasitism and Economic Development
10. Perspectives on Social Change: The Emergence of the Poor as a Class
Biography
P.C. Joshi is an eminent scholar who enjoys wide recognition for his mutlidisciplinary approach to social science research as well as his role as policy advisor, social activist and writer. He has been associated with the Planning Division of the Indian Statistical Institute (1955-57), the Delhi School of Economics (1957-62), and the Instittue of Economic Growth (1962-91) as Professor and then the last four years as Director.
