More and more people have turned to Marxian economics in recent years. But isn’t it a defunct branch of the ‘dismal science’, disproven by the experience of the past 150 years, of no interest to anyone except historians?
In this book, David Ruccio demonstrates why the answer to that question is a resounding ‘no’. He offers a clear and accessible introduction to the basic concepts and theoretical strategies of Marxian economics, its key differences from mainstream economics, and its many applications to the real world. Focusing on Marx’s critique of both mainstream economic theory and capitalism, Ruccio extends that analysis to contemporary topics - from inequality and economic crises to racial capitalism and the climate crisis - and outlines the key debates among Marxian economists. He concludes with a discussion of the ways Marxian economists today think about the possibility of moving beyond capitalism.
The book is suitable for students and professors, as well as readers outside the academy interested in learning about Marxian economics. It will be useful both as a stand-alone text and as a companion to reading Capital.
Table of Contents
About the AuthorPreface
Acknowledgements
Glossary
References
Variables
Part 1
Chapter 1 Marxian Economics Today
Chapter 2 Marxian Versus Mainstream Economics
Chapter 3 Origins of the Marxian Critique of Political Economy
Part 2
Chapter 4 Commodities and Money
Chapter 5 Surplus-Value and Exploitation
Chapter 6 Profits, Wages, and Distribution of Surplus-Value
Part 3
Chapter 7 Applications of Marxian Economics
Chapter 8 Debates in and around Marxian Economics
Chapter 9 Transitions to and from Capitalism
Notes
Index
