1 introducing marxist theories of the state in the following presentation i shall assume that...

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Introducing Marxist Theories of the StateIntroducing Marxist Theories of the State

In the following presentation I shall assume that students In the following presentation I shall assume that students

have some familiarity with introductory Marxist Theory . Students have some familiarity with introductory Marxist Theory . Students requiring an introductory outline may requiring an introductory outline may click here.click here.Students requiring additional information on the definition and Students requiring additional information on the definition and measurement of Power may measurement of Power may click here.click here.In the presentation I concentrate primarily on the Marxist In the presentation I concentrate primarily on the Marxist Theory of the State as outlined by Ralph Miliband . Toward the Theory of the State as outlined by Ralph Miliband . Toward the end of the presentation there is also information on the so-called end of the presentation there is also information on the so-called

Miliband- Poulantzas debate on the StateMiliband- Poulantzas debate on the State..

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The following presentation is intended as an introduction The following presentation is intended as an introduction but if you require more detailed information you may find but if you require more detailed information you may find the following books useful.the following books useful.

Models of Democracy David Held 3Models of Democracy David Held 3rdrd Edition 2006 Edition 2006 The State: Theories and Issues Colin Hay, Michael Lister The State: Theories and Issues Colin Hay, Michael Lister

and David Marsh Eds. 2008and David Marsh Eds. 2008 Theories of the Democratic State John S. Dryzek and Theories of the Democratic State John S. Dryzek and

Patrick Dunleavy 2009Patrick Dunleavy 2009 Power: A Radical View Steven Lukes 2Power: A Radical View Steven Lukes 2ndnd Edition 2005 Edition 2005 State Power Bob Jessop 2008 State Power Bob Jessop 2008

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Marxism: a very brief summary [1]Marxism: a very brief summary [1]Marxists argue that capitalist societies are unequal, exploitative, undemocratic Marxists argue that capitalist societies are unequal, exploitative, undemocratic and unjust.and unjust.They focus especially upon the relationships between the property owning They focus especially upon the relationships between the property owning Bourgeoisie and the property-less Proletariat which are based upon exploitation Bourgeoisie and the property-less Proletariat which are based upon exploitation and conflict. Intermediate strata are considered in more detailed Marxist theories.and conflict. Intermediate strata are considered in more detailed Marxist theories.. The key elements of the superstructure include the institutions of the state but . The key elements of the superstructure include the institutions of the state but also the family, the Church, the education system and the mass media.also the family, the Church, the education system and the mass media.Marxists also focus on relationships between the economic base and the Marxists also focus on relationships between the economic base and the superstructure and argue that the economic base heavily influences the superstructure and argue that the economic base heavily influences the organisation and operation of the institutions of the superstructure although some organisation and operation of the institutions of the superstructure although some Neo-Marxists , especially those influenced by Gramsci, assert that the Neo-Marxists , especially those influenced by Gramsci, assert that the superstructure operates to some extent independently of the economic base. superstructure operates to some extent independently of the economic base. According to Marx the inequalities and instability associated ith capitalism would According to Marx the inequalities and instability associated ith capitalism would lead ultimately to the transitions to Socialism and then Communism possibly via lead ultimately to the transitions to Socialism and then Communism possibly via revolution although Marx also suggested that a Parliamentary road to Socialism revolution although Marx also suggested that a Parliamentary road to Socialism might be possible in Western European capitalist societies might be possible in Western European capitalist societies

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Marxism: a very brief summary [2]Marxism: a very brief summary [2]In Marxist theories the State is defined to include the Government, the In Marxist theories the State is defined to include the Government, the Civil Service, the Judiciary, the Police and Military and the institutions of Civil Service, the Judiciary, the Police and Military and the institutions of Regional and Local Government.Regional and Local Government.Louis Althusser defines the family, the Church, the education system Louis Althusser defines the family, the Church, the education system and the mass media as Ideological State Apparatuses. [ISAs]and the mass media as Ideological State Apparatuses. [ISAs]Antonio Gramsci defines the State as consisting of Political Society Antonio Gramsci defines the State as consisting of Political Society plus Civil Society and the above mentioned ISAs are seen as part of Civil plus Civil Society and the above mentioned ISAs are seen as part of Civil Society.Society. Within the Marxist theoretical framework there has been an important Within the Marxist theoretical framework there has been an important debate about the nature of the State between Ralph Miliband and Nicos debate about the nature of the State between Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas who are said to adopt Instrumentalist and Structuralist Poulantzas who are said to adopt Instrumentalist and Structuralist approaches respectively to the analysis of the State.approaches respectively to the analysis of the State.This debate is considered briefly toward the end of this presentation This debate is considered briefly toward the end of this presentation

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Theories of Post-CapitalismTheories of Post-Capitalism

By the 1950s and early 1960s it was argued widely that Western By the 1950s and early 1960s it was argued widely that Western capitalism had changed very significantly to such an extent that capitalism had changed very significantly to such an extent that modern Western societies could better be described as “Post-modern Western societies could better be described as “Post-Capitalist” rather than as “Capitalist”.Capitalist” rather than as “Capitalist”.

Consequently even if Marx’ theories of capitalism had been Consequently even if Marx’ theories of capitalism had been relevant to the analysis of 19relevant to the analysis of 19thth Century capitalism they were Century capitalism they were decreasingly relevant by the Mid 20th Century and Marx’ decreasingly relevant by the Mid 20th Century and Marx’ predictions as to the future development of capitalist societies predictions as to the future development of capitalist societies appeared increasingly inaccurate. appeared increasingly inaccurate.

According to the Post-Capitalist theorists the immiserisation of According to the Post-Capitalist theorists the immiserisation of the proletariat and polarisation of classes had not occurred and the proletariat and polarisation of classes had not occurred and Marxist-inspired socialist revolution was entirely unnecessary and Marxist-inspired socialist revolution was entirely unnecessary and therefore very unlikely to occur.therefore very unlikely to occur.

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The Claims of Post-Capitalist Theorists [1]The Claims of Post-Capitalist Theorists [1]

The economic power of the UK Capitalist Class had declined as a The economic power of the UK Capitalist Class had declined as a result of the nationalisation of several basic industries such as Coal, result of the nationalisation of several basic industries such as Coal, Gas, Electricity and the Railways.Gas, Electricity and the Railways.The increased technological and commercial complexity of modern The increased technological and commercial complexity of modern industry meant that decision making power had been transferred from industry meant that decision making power had been transferred from the Capitalist owners to skilled managers who were likely to take into the Capitalist owners to skilled managers who were likely to take into account objectives such as worker satisfaction and public corporate account objectives such as worker satisfaction and public corporate image as well as profitability in their decision making whereas the image as well as profitability in their decision making whereas the Capitalist owners had been much more concerned with profitability.Capitalist owners had been much more concerned with profitability.This element of Post-Capitalist theory was known as “the Managerial This element of Post-Capitalist theory was known as “the Managerial Revolution” or “the Divorce of Ownership from Control”.Revolution” or “the Divorce of Ownership from Control”.Consequently the Bourgeoisie [the owners of the means of production] Consequently the Bourgeoisie [the owners of the means of production] could no longer be regarded as the dominant economic class. could no longer be regarded as the dominant economic class.

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The Claims of Post-Capitalist Theorist [2]The Claims of Post-Capitalist Theorist [2]Significant changes in social class structure were occurring in Significant changes in social class structure were occurring in post-capitalist societies.post-capitalist societies.The relative sizes of the middle class and the skilled working The relative sizes of the middle class and the skilled working class were increasing.class were increasing.The relative sizes of the semi-skilled and unskilled working The relative sizes of the semi-skilled and unskilled working classes were decliningclasses were decliningThere was a general trend toward greater income and wealth There was a general trend toward greater income and wealth equality and more widespread ownership consumer durables.equality and more widespread ownership consumer durables.Full employment, economic growth and the expansion of the Full employment, economic growth and the expansion of the Welfare State were improving average working class living Welfare State were improving average working class living standards and reducing poverty.standards and reducing poverty.Increased Welfare State expenditures were beginning to Increased Welfare State expenditures were beginning to improve health and equalise educational opportunity.improve health and equalise educational opportunity.

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The Claims of Post Capitalist Theorists [3]The Claims of Post Capitalist Theorists [3] Universal adult suffrage combined with the growth of the Universal adult suffrage combined with the growth of the Labour Party and the Trade Union Movement coupled with the Labour Party and the Trade Union Movement coupled with the continued existence of full employment in the post-2nd World continued existence of full employment in the post-2nd World War era had increased the potential political influence and the War era had increased the potential political influence and the economic power of the working class.economic power of the working class.Increasing numbers of diverse pressure groups were formed all Increasing numbers of diverse pressure groups were formed all of which sought to influence government policy in various ways.of which sought to influence government policy in various ways.Theories of Classical Pluralism were developed which Theories of Classical Pluralism were developed which suggested that the above developments had caused political suggested that the above developments had caused political power to be more widely and equally distributed rather than power to be more widely and equally distributed rather than monopolised by an economically and politically dominant monopolised by an economically and politically dominant Bourgeoisie [as in Marxist Theory] of by a political elite [as in Bourgeoisie [as in Marxist Theory] of by a political elite [as in Elite Theories].Elite Theories].

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The State in Capitalist Society: The Analysis of the Western The State in Capitalist Society: The Analysis of the Western System of Power : Ralph Miliband 1969.[1]System of Power : Ralph Miliband 1969.[1]In this study Ralph Miliband, a Marxist academic, sought to In this study Ralph Miliband, a Marxist academic, sought to refute the already mentioned conclusions of the Post-Capitalist refute the already mentioned conclusions of the Post-Capitalist theorists and to reassert the validity of the Marxist Theory of the theorists and to reassert the validity of the Marxist Theory of the State.State.He sought also to demonstrate that even by the 1960s the He sought also to demonstrate that even by the 1960s the economic dominant class [the Bourgeoisie] still wielded not total economic dominant class [the Bourgeoisie] still wielded not total political power but disproportionate political power.political power but disproportionate political power.There was indeed some political competition for political power There was indeed some political competition for political power and influence between competing political parties and pressure and influence between competing political parties and pressure groups but this was an “Imperfect Competition” in which the groups but this was an “Imperfect Competition” in which the Bourgeoisie held the dominant [position so that it could still Bourgeoisie held the dominant [position so that it could still reasonable be described as an economically and politically reasonable be described as an economically and politically dominant Ruling Class. dominant Ruling Class.

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Introducing Marxist Theories of the StateIntroducing Marxist Theories of the State The State in Capitalist Society [2]The State in Capitalist Society [2]Ralph Miliband denies that post-2Ralph Miliband denies that post-2ndnd World War nationalisation World War nationalisation programmes significantly reduced the economic power of the programmes significantly reduced the economic power of the capitalist class.capitalist class.He denies the validity of the Managerial Revolution /Divorce of He denies the validity of the Managerial Revolution /Divorce of Ownership from ControlOwnership from Control He claims that changes to the UK class structure have been He claims that changes to the UK class structure have been less significant than suggested by Post-Capitalist theorists.less significant than suggested by Post-Capitalist theorists.He denied that affluent sections of the working class were He denied that affluent sections of the working class were experiencing a process of Embourgeoisement.experiencing a process of Embourgeoisement.The redistribution of income and wealth has been mainly from The redistribution of income and wealth has been mainly from the rich to the comfortably off with little redistribution to the poor; the rich to the comfortably off with little redistribution to the poor; affluent working class members are significantly worse of than affluent working class members are significantly worse of than most members of the middle class; relative poverty and social most members of the middle class; relative poverty and social class differences in health and educational opportunity remain class differences in health and educational opportunity remain despite the expansion of the Welfare State. despite the expansion of the Welfare State.

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Introducing Marxist Theories of the StateIntroducing Marxist Theories of the State The State in Capitalist Society [3]The State in Capitalist Society [3]Ralph Miliband rejects the methodology and conclusions of Ralph Miliband rejects the methodology and conclusions of theories of Classical Pluralism.theories of Classical Pluralism.In his study Power: A Radical View [1974; Second Edition In his study Power: A Radical View [1974; Second Edition 2005] Steven Lukes distinguishes three Faces of Power.2005] Steven Lukes distinguishes three Faces of Power. Ralph Miliband distinguishes explicitly between the first two Ralph Miliband distinguishes explicitly between the first two faces of power and his emphasis on the ideological dimensions faces of power and his emphasis on the ideological dimensions of power indicate that he also recognises the importance of what of power indicate that he also recognises the importance of what Steven Lukes would subsequently call the Third Face of Power.Steven Lukes would subsequently call the Third Face of Power.On this basis we may conclude that in 1969 Ralph Miliband On this basis we may conclude that in 1969 Ralph Miliband was using a concept of power very similar to that employed by was using a concept of power very similar to that employed by Steven LukesSteven LukesHe therefore rejected the Classical Pluralist measurement of He therefore rejected the Classical Pluralist measurement of power in terms of the outcome of actual decisions as inadequate. power in terms of the outcome of actual decisions as inadequate.

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The State in Capitalist Society [4]The State in Capitalist Society [4]Continuing from the previous slide students may feel that they Continuing from the previous slide students may feel that they need additional information on the concept of power and need additional information on the concept of power and particularly on the particularly on the three faces of power which can be found here three faces of power which can be found here . . You can discuss this with your teachers!You can discuss this with your teachers!Ralph Miliband did not claim that there were no aspects of Ralph Miliband did not claim that there were no aspects of Classical Pluralism in contemporary capitalist systems but that Classical Pluralism in contemporary capitalist systems but that Capital was by face the dominant influence on State decision –Capital was by face the dominant influence on State decision –making and that it was engaged in an “imperfect competition” making and that it was engaged in an “imperfect competition” with the Labour Party the Trade Unions and other pressure with the Labour Party the Trade Unions and other pressure groups all of which had far less political power than the dominant groups all of which had far less political power than the dominant economic class. economic class.

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The State in Capitalist Society [5] The State in Capitalist Society [5] The dominant economic class has disproportionate political The dominant economic class has disproportionate political power for several reasons.power for several reasons.Business pressure groups are especially well financed and Business pressure groups are especially well financed and well organised and their lobbyists have easy access to governing well organised and their lobbyists have easy access to governing politicians.politicians.A pro-Business ideology is shared especially by Conservative A pro-Business ideology is shared especially by Conservative politicians but also by relatively moderate Labour politicians and politicians but also by relatively moderate Labour politicians and Trade Union leaders.Trade Union leaders.Business spokespersons and politicians alike are very prone to Business spokespersons and politicians alike are very prone to define the interests of business as equivalent to the national define the interests of business as equivalent to the national interest. As someone once said “What is good for General Motors interest. As someone once said “What is good for General Motors is good for the USA”.is good for the USA”.

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The State in Capitalist Society [6]The State in Capitalist Society [6]More on the political power of the dominant economic classMore on the political power of the dominant economic classThe British Conservative Party was especially electorally successful in the first The British Conservative Party was especially electorally successful in the first 70 years of the 2070 years of the 20thth Century [and after a brief Labour interlude between 1974 and Century [and after a brief Labour interlude between 1974 and 1979 would form governments continuously from 1979 to 1997] during which time 1979 would form governments continuously from 1979 to 1997] during which time it could pursue essentially pro-business policies.it could pursue essentially pro-business policies.The electoral success of the Conservative Party occurred because despite The electoral success of the Conservative Party occurred because despite substantial class inequality it nevertheless attracted support from significant substantial class inequality it nevertheless attracted support from significant numbers of working class voters. numbers of working class voters. The leadership of the Labour Party and of the Trade Union movement mostly The leadership of the Labour Party and of the Trade Union movement mostly espoused a very moderate form of social democratic ideology which did not espoused a very moderate form of social democratic ideology which did not challenge the continued existence of capitalism and the dominance of the challenge the continued existence of capitalism and the dominance of the capitalist class..capitalist class..The political power of the capitalist class derives also from the structural The political power of the capitalist class derives also from the structural position of capital within the economy: the government is dependent upon the position of capital within the economy: the government is dependent upon the private sector for the provision of employment, economic growth, rising living private sector for the provision of employment, economic growth, rising living standards and taxation revenue.standards and taxation revenue.Therefore governments’ re-election are dependent to a considerable extent of Therefore governments’ re-election are dependent to a considerable extent of the profitability of industry which explains governments’ pro-business policiesthe profitability of industry which explains governments’ pro-business policies

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The State in Capitalist Society [7]The State in Capitalist Society [7]The institutions of the State are controlled by a series of State elites The institutions of the State are controlled by a series of State elites whose members share similar ideological views and will govern in the whose members share similar ideological views and will govern in the interests of the Bourgeoisie for the following reasons.interests of the Bourgeoisie for the following reasons.A large proportion of Cabinet Ministers have been involved in business A large proportion of Cabinet Ministers have been involved in business and business people are heavily involved in many government advisory and business people are heavily involved in many government advisory groups and in the governing of the Central Bank [the Bank of England.groups and in the governing of the Central Bank [the Bank of England.Administrative, Judicial and Military elites are drawn disproportionately Administrative, Judicial and Military elites are drawn disproportionately from the higher reaches of the middle and the upper classes. They will from the higher reaches of the middle and the upper classes. They will often have been educated at prestigious private schools and elite often have been educated at prestigious private schools and elite universities.universities.Miliband assumes that this pattern of recruitment results in a powerful, Miliband assumes that this pattern of recruitment results in a powerful, pro-capitalist ideological consensus within the State elites in which the pro-capitalist ideological consensus within the State elites in which the national interest is defined in terms of the interests of capitalism.national interest is defined in terms of the interests of capitalism.

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The State in Capitalist Society [8]The State in Capitalist Society [8]When talented working class people are recruited to State elite When talented working class people are recruited to State elite positions they will soon recognise that their promotion prospects positions they will soon recognise that their promotion prospects depend on the willingness to discard any radical views which depend on the willingness to discard any radical views which they may have had.they may have had.It is argued that the recruitment of working class candidates to It is argued that the recruitment of working class candidates to State elite positions is evidence of substantial social mobility and State elite positions is evidence of substantial social mobility and meritocracy . However according to Ralph Miliband the real meritocracy . However according to Ralph Miliband the real extent of social mobility in the UK is limited and the Uk is far from extent of social mobility in the UK is limited and the Uk is far from being a meritocratic society. being a meritocratic society.

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The State in Capitalist Society [9]The State in Capitalist Society [9]Miliband argues that a ruling class ideology supportive of the Miliband argues that a ruling class ideology supportive of the continued existence of capitalism and the dominance of the continued existence of capitalism and the dominance of the Bourgeoisie is widely disseminated especially via the mass Bourgeoisie is widely disseminated especially via the mass media and the education system..media and the education system..This ideology is accepted by Conservative Parties, the This ideology is accepted by Conservative Parties, the members of the State elites and also , to a considerable extent, members of the State elites and also , to a considerable extent, by leaders of Social Democratic Parties such as the Labour Party by leaders of Social Democratic Parties such as the Labour Party and by Trade Union leaders.and by Trade Union leaders.Many working class people also accept this ideology or at least Many working class people also accept this ideology or at least accommodate passively to it although, according to Marxists, it is accommodate passively to it although, according to Marxists, it is not in their interests to do so. They are said to be subject to not in their interests to do so. They are said to be subject to “False Class Consciousness” . “False Class Consciousness” .

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The State in Capitalist Society [10]The State in Capitalist Society [10]Finally Miliband and other Marxists argue that “Political Power Finally Miliband and other Marxists argue that “Political Power is visible in its consequences”. The continued existence of great is visible in its consequences”. The continued existence of great inequalities of wealth, income and opportunity is seen as a inequalities of wealth, income and opportunity is seen as a consequence of inequality of political power. How otherwise consequence of inequality of political power. How otherwise could inequalities of income, wealth and opportunity be could inequalities of income, wealth and opportunity be sustained?.sustained?.Furthermore the unequal distribution of political power is also Furthermore the unequal distribution of political power is also seen as a consequence of the unequal distribution of seen as a consequence of the unequal distribution of income ,wealth and opportunity so that a vicious cycle is clearly income ,wealth and opportunity so that a vicious cycle is clearly in operation. in operation.

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[1]Structuralist Marxism.[1]In the late 1960s and early 1970s a significant theoretical In the late 1960s and early 1970s a significant theoretical debate ensued between Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas debate ensued between Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas around differing Marxist interpretations of the State.around differing Marxist interpretations of the State.It is argued that whereas Ralph Miliband has devised what has It is argued that whereas Ralph Miliband has devised what has been called an Instrumentalist Theory of the State in Capitalist been called an Instrumentalist Theory of the State in Capitalist Society Nicos Poulantzas has devised so-called Structuralist Society Nicos Poulantzas has devised so-called Structuralist Theory of the Capitalist State.Theory of the Capitalist State.What does this mean?What does this mean?

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[2] Ralph MilibandMarxism.[2] Ralph Miliband

Miliband’s theory has been seen as evolving from the statement by Marx and Miliband’s theory has been seen as evolving from the statement by Marx and Engels in The Communist Manifesto[1848] that “ the Executive of the modern Engels in The Communist Manifesto[1848] that “ the Executive of the modern state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the Bourgeoisie”. state is but a committee for managing the common affairs of the Bourgeoisie”. It has been described as an instrumentalist theory in the sense that the It has been described as an instrumentalist theory in the sense that the capitalist class is seen as having the power to ensure that state elites have the capitalist class is seen as having the power to ensure that state elites have the power to ensure that the state elites operate in the interests of the Bourgeoisie or power to ensure that the state elites operate in the interests of the Bourgeoisie or capitalist class.capitalist class.Effectively, therefore, the state is seen as an instrument which is under the Effectively, therefore, the state is seen as an instrument which is under the control of the Bourgeoisie or capitalist class.control of the Bourgeoisie or capitalist class.Miliband argues also that state elites do have considerable freedom of Miliband argues also that state elites do have considerable freedom of manouevre to decide upon particular policies but that their actual decisions are to manouevre to decide upon particular policies but that their actual decisions are to a considerable extent influenced by their own privileged social class background.a considerable extent influenced by their own privileged social class background.Consequently the state elites take decisions which overwhelmingly support the Consequently the state elites take decisions which overwhelmingly support the interests of the Bourgeoisieinterests of the Bourgeoisie

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[3] Nicos PoulantzasMarxism.[3] Nicos PoulantzasNicos Poulantzas theory is seen as evolving from Marx’ study entitled “ The 18Nicos Poulantzas theory is seen as evolving from Marx’ study entitled “ The 18 thth Brumaire of Louis Napoleon” and is regarded as a Structuralist Marxist theory of Brumaire of Louis Napoleon” and is regarded as a Structuralist Marxist theory of the State.the State.Poulantzas emphasises that the capitalist class is itself divided into fractions Poulantzas emphasises that the capitalist class is itself divided into fractions [e.g. finance capitalists and manufacturing capitalists and/or large scale and [e.g. finance capitalists and manufacturing capitalists and/or large scale and small scale capitalists] which although they all support the continued existence of small scale capitalists] which although they all support the continued existence of capitalism as a system, may nevertheless have conflicting interests within that capitalism as a system, may nevertheless have conflicting interests within that system .system .According to Poulantzas the capitalist state must be accorded the autonomy to According to Poulantzas the capitalist state must be accorded the autonomy to resolve these conflicts of interests and also to grant occasional concessions to the resolve these conflicts of interests and also to grant occasional concessions to the working class which, although they may be opposed by the capitalist class, are working class which, although they may be opposed by the capitalist class, are actually necessary to ensure the continued survival of the capitalist system as a actually necessary to ensure the continued survival of the capitalist system as a whole.whole.Consequently the capitalist state operates with some autonomy : it is not the Consequently the capitalist state operates with some autonomy : it is not the simple instrument of the capitalist class.. But…now read on simple instrument of the capitalist class.. But…now read on

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[4] Nicos PoulantzasStructuralist Marxism.[4] Nicos Poulantzas However the autonomy of the state can only be relative. In However the autonomy of the state can only be relative. In seeking to resolve conflicts within the capitalist class or to reduce seeking to resolve conflicts within the capitalist class or to reduce the grievances of the working class the state can introduce only the grievances of the working class the state can introduce only those policies which are viable within an ongoing capitalist those policies which are viable within an ongoing capitalist structure. For example the state might attempt to resolve structure. For example the state might attempt to resolve working class grievances via moderate expansion of the welfare working class grievances via moderate expansion of the welfare state but not via large scale nationalisation or the introduction of state but not via large scale nationalisation or the introduction of very high taxation of profits.very high taxation of profits.The “relative autonomy of the state” is therefore a key concept The “relative autonomy of the state” is therefore a key concept within Nicos Poulantzas’ theory within Nicos Poulantzas’ theory

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Introducing Marxist Theories of the StateIntroducing Marxist Theories of the StateRalph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[5] Nicos Poulantzas Structuralist Marxism.[5] Nicos Poulantzas Nicos Poulantzas’ theory is described as Structuralist Marxist Nicos Poulantzas’ theory is described as Structuralist Marxist theory because Poulantzas argues that the decisions of state theory because Poulantzas argues that the decisions of state elite members are influenced far more by the structural position elite members are influenced far more by the structural position of the state within capitalist societies than by the social of the state within capitalist societies than by the social backgrounds and political values and attitudes of state elite backgrounds and political values and attitudes of state elite members themselves.members themselves.Here is seen one of the significant differences between the Here is seen one of the significant differences between the theories Poulantzas and of Miliband although Miliband did argue theories Poulantzas and of Miliband although Miliband did argue that he had actually acknowledged the importance of structural that he had actually acknowledged the importance of structural constraints but that Poulantzas had overstated them .constraints but that Poulantzas had overstated them .Thus , in one of his books Miliband stated that , Poulantzas Thus , in one of his books Miliband stated that , Poulantzas had fallen prey to “structural super-determinism.” had fallen prey to “structural super-determinism.” General issues of “structure versus agency” are clearly at work General issues of “structure versus agency” are clearly at work here. here.

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[6] Nicos PoulantzasStructuralist Marxism.[6] Nicos PoulantzasIn Poulantzas’ theory a state within a capitalist system can In Poulantzas’ theory a state within a capitalist system can further its own objectives only by facilitating the continued further its own objectives only by facilitating the continued development of the capitalist system as a whole. For example:development of the capitalist system as a whole. For example: the maintenance of full employment, economic growth and the maintenance of full employment, economic growth and rising living standards is dependent upon the success of the rising living standards is dependent upon the success of the capitalist system;capitalist system; government spending plans, for example on Health and government spending plans, for example on Health and Education are dependent upon taxation revenues which in turn Education are dependent upon taxation revenues which in turn depend upon the effectiveness of the capitalist system;depend upon the effectiveness of the capitalist system;Governments’ electoral prospects are to a considerable extent Governments’ electoral prospects are to a considerable extent dependent upon the health of the capitalist economy.dependent upon the health of the capitalist economy.

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[7] Nicos PoulantzasStructuralist Marxism.[7] Nicos PoulantzasIt follows that all governments in capitalist societies are obliged It follows that all governments in capitalist societies are obliged to pursue policies which are consistent with the continuation of to pursue policies which are consistent with the continuation of capitalism and therefore with the interests of the capitalist class.capitalism and therefore with the interests of the capitalist class. For Example.For Example.They ensure that rates of corporation tax and rates of income They ensure that rates of corporation tax and rates of income tax on high income earners are relatively low.tax on high income earners are relatively low.They ensure that environmental and health and safety They ensure that environmental and health and safety regulations do not impose costs which capitalist firms consider regulations do not impose costs which capitalist firms consider excessive.excessive.They introduce industrial relations legislation which may be They introduce industrial relations legislation which may be seen as restricting the power of trades unions to defend workers’ seen as restricting the power of trades unions to defend workers’ living standardsliving standards

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Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Ralph Miliband and Nicos Poulantzas: Instrumentalist and Structuralist Marxism.[8] Nicos PoulantzasMarxism.[8] Nicos PoulantzasWithout such policies capitalist profitability would fall; economic competitiveness Without such policies capitalist profitability would fall; economic competitiveness would be reduced; some capitalist firms would relocate to other countries; would be reduced; some capitalist firms would relocate to other countries; employment would fall; government revenues would be reduced; governments employment would fall; government revenues would be reduced; governments would be more likely to suffer electoral defeat.would be more likely to suffer electoral defeat.At the same time, however, the state uses its relative autonomy to make At the same time, however, the state uses its relative autonomy to make occasional moderate concessions to the working class which reduce the dangers occasional moderate concessions to the working class which reduce the dangers of political stability which would also undermine capitalist viability. of political stability which would also undermine capitalist viability. In all cases, ,according to Poulantzas, government policies are influenced far In all cases, ,according to Poulantzas, government policies are influenced far more by the structural position of governments within capitalist societies than by more by the structural position of governments within capitalist societies than by the social backgrounds and political attitudes of those in state elite positions.the social backgrounds and political attitudes of those in state elite positions.On the other hand Ralph Miliband gives greater emphasis to the importance of On the other hand Ralph Miliband gives greater emphasis to the importance of the social backgrounds of those in state elite positions. However he does not the social backgrounds of those in state elite positions. However he does not entirely neglect structural factors although he does claim that Poulantzas has entirely neglect structural factors although he does claim that Poulantzas has overstated their importance.overstated their importance.As mentioned Miliband believes that Poulantzas has been prey to “structural As mentioned Miliband believes that Poulantzas has been prey to “structural super-determinism! super-determinism!

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Conclusions[1]Conclusions[1]You may like to discuss with your teachers the extent to which You may like to discuss with your teachers the extent to which Marxist theories of the State help to explain the developments of Marxist theories of the State help to explain the developments of UK government policy in the post-2nd World War. UK government policy in the post-2nd World War. For example it could be argued from a Marxist perspective that For example it could be argued from a Marxist perspective that in the era of the post-war consensus the political conditions were in the era of the post-war consensus the political conditions were such that the State did make substantial concession to working such that the State did make substantial concession to working class interests without fundamentally altering patterns of class class interests without fundamentally altering patterns of class inequality.inequality.In the subsequent era of relative neo-liberal dominance In the subsequent era of relative neo-liberal dominance Marxists would argue that state policies reflected even more Marxists would argue that state policies reflected even more closely the interests of capital and that class inequalities have closely the interests of capital and that class inequalities have consequently hardened. consequently hardened. In this context the Blair-Brown Governments would be seen as In this context the Blair-Brown Governments would be seen as essentially continuing the neo-liberal policy agenda , a view that essentially continuing the neo-liberal policy agenda , a view that would be rejected, for example, by Third Waywould be rejected, for example, by Third Way theorists.theorists.

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Conclusions [2]Conclusions [2]In any case of course Marxist theories of the State have been In any case of course Marxist theories of the State have been criticised from differing theoretical perspectives such as those of criticised from differing theoretical perspectives such as those of Elite Theory and Competitive Elitism [where you will find the ideas of Elite Theory and Competitive Elitism [where you will find the ideas of Max Weber and Joseph Schumpeter], Functionalism, Pluralism Max Weber and Joseph Schumpeter], Functionalism, Pluralism [which itself contains the differing approaches of Classical Pluralism, [which itself contains the differing approaches of Classical Pluralism, Elite Pluralism and Neo-Pluralism], Corporatism, New Right Theory, Elite Pluralism and Neo-Pluralism], Corporatism, New Right Theory, Feminism and Post-Modernism.Feminism and Post-Modernism.In order to evaluate Marxist theories of the state detailed familiarity In order to evaluate Marxist theories of the state detailed familiarity with these competing perspectives is of course necessary and I with these competing perspectives is of course necessary and I wish you every success in your study of these perspectiveswish you every success in your study of these perspectives

1 introducing marxist theories of the state in the following presentation i shall assume that...

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