Increased productivity is greatly beneficial for society. Also, it is inherent in human-social activity which is a combined effort. In our context, fruits of productivity are appropriated by a small minority of investers, not all those who participated in the productive venture. This indeed is the important question. At some stage in social production, increased productivity may not be good for the investers -- it may cause fall in prices and reduce the profit margin of the haves. Yet the same could meet needs and requirements of the have-nots. The result may be a setting in of the process of change in the social relations between property owners and workers. See that the normal movement of productivity is invariably towards change at the base.
There are two points that have been raised -- regarding disagreement between base and superstructure, and disagreement between different superstructures. My answer to both the questions is: yes, disagreement may occur -- between base and superstructure and between two superstructures. In fact, such disagreements and clashes are the crux of social life and make life inspirng and indeed fascinating. Change in society occurs because of such disagreements and clashes. Also, the two in their difference and clash help the citizen understand one's surroundings better. The social scene comes alive before the citizen owing to such a process.
anand prakash The base in traditional rural areas is such that the relations of production in them may be dissimilar to those obtaining in urban areas. The former areas can remain trapped in backwardness as higher productivity in other locations work to shape the superstructure in ways that reinforce the backwardness of traditional rural areas.
We have understood that the base and the superstructure interact with each other. When there is a change in the base does the superstructure simply comply or are there moments of disagreements and resistance in the superstructure in this respect ? Also is it possible that different floors of the superstructure( religion judiciary literature etc) may respond to the change differently ?
When a change in the base happens the superstructure does not always change. Some aspects may be affected but deeper aspects like the arts, culture, family structure, etc. will have to be changed in other ways.
Sir you mentioned that the base is active, and that it undergoes changes. Also, a change occurs when productivity increases. Could you please elaborate on the idea as to how does increased productivity bring in a change and what kind of a change is it ? And who are responsible for this change, the workers who actually work to produce or the manufacturers to own the means of production ?
