Elements towards a more general theory of unequal exchange [microform]
- Bib ID:
- 3287177
- Format:
- Book and Microform
- Author:
- Iguiniz-Echeverria, Javier
- Description:
- 289 p.
- Summary:
-
Practically all contemporary theories of underdevelopment relate this problem to the interaction between the developed capitalist countries (D.C.) and the underdeveloped ones (U.D.C.). One of the perspectives considers the outflow of surplus-value, surplus or income (depending on the type of approach) as the main result of that interaction for the U.D.C. Therefore, in this perspective underdevelopment is basically caused by the transfers of surplus-value to other countries and, accordingly, development requires to retain surplus-value within the country that originates it. Some of the theories within this broad and diverse perspective assert that the most important mechanism creating this transfer is "unequal exchange".
In the most important versions of the theory of unequal exchange, U.D.C. are defined as branches of production where lower than world-average wages are paid. The tendency toward the equalization of profit rates on a world scale results in a transfer of surplus-value and in the exchange at prices of production that differ from direct prices (values). This dissertation critically evaluates the main theories of unequal exchange and determines some of their most important shortcomings. One of the most important findings of this critical review is the absence of a developed analysis of the consequences of the competition of individual capitals producing the same commodity ("competition within spheres of production"). The introduction of "competition within spheres" in the analysis of the relations between D.C. and U.D.C. implies a careful account of the conditions of production under which individual capitals operate.
In this way, the analysis moves to a more disaggregated level than the branch level without losing the general characterization of U.D.C. as low-wage countries. Moreover, new sources of transfers of value are found and a more realistic picture of the international competitiveness of U.D.C. is outlined. The most important result of exploring new sources of surplus-value transfers is the finding that there are reasons to believe that unequal exchange resulting from competition within spheres benefits the underdeveloped countries. They also seem to benefit when we take into consideration the effect of organic composition differentials between the spheres of production. A definite statement about the magnitude and direction of the net transfers of surplus-value requires a precise empirical investigation that incorporates the analysis of the gains and losses resulting from both types of competition (within and between spheres).
This dissertation shows that unequal exchange does not necessarily benefit the developed capitalist countries as it was generally assumed.
- Notes:
-
- (UnM)AAI8017870
- Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 41-02, Section: A, page: 0752.
- Thesis (Ph.D.)--New School for Social Research, 1979.
- Reproduction:
- Microfiche. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University Microfilms International.
- Subject:
- Other authors/contributors:
- New School for Social Research (New York, N.Y.)
- Copyright:
-
In Copyright
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Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
- Published status:
- Unpublished
- Creation date:
- 1979
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