A Marxian Reply to Hahnel: The Relative Explanatory Power of Marx’s Theory and Sraffa’s Theory

This paper critically examines Robin Hahnel’s 2017 book Radical Political Economy: Sraffa versus Marx and especially compares the relative explanatory power of Marx’s theory and Sraffa’s theory. Hahnel’s book argues that Sraffa’s theory is superior to Marx’s theory with respect to the following six subjects: prices, profit, technological change, crises, the environment, and moral critique (each one considered in a separate chapter). This paper challenges Hahnel’s arguments on all six subjects and argues that Marx’s theory has greater explanatory power than Sraffa’s theory and continues to be the best critical theory of capitalism. JEL Classification: B24, B51

The Precarious Concept of Precarity

This paper traces the roots of precarity as a concept emerging from French sociological discourse, then permeating through networks informed by Italian autonomism, before re-emerging in the writings of figures such as Guy Standing and Arne Kalleberg. It is shown that, despite the claims of the literature, precarity in employment is not typical in the United Kingdom. Here, temporary employment remains the exception and employment tenure remains stable. This can best be explained by radical political economy. Capital is not interested simply in engendering precarity; it is also concerned with the retention and reproduction of labor power, leading to contradictory imperatives. The resonance of the narrative of precarity, in spite of this, reflects a long retreat from class within radical theory and the insecurities present in working life.

Lurking at URPE 50: Selective Observations, Criticisms, Horizons

How did the 2018 URPE at 50 conference appear to a “lurker,” someone interested, even enthusiastic, about radical political economy but not directly involved in the organization? Based on observations at the conference, the author ponders the absence of research and activist connections between media, communication, and cultural studies and radical political economics. Exploring the rise of intersectionality that has emerged due to digital communication and social media platforms, the author appeals for collaborative efforts to expand the range of interactions to benefit radical political economy as well as the fields of media, communication, and cultural studies. Jel Classifications: Z18, 033, 035