Means of production

The means of production are the means by which products are produced, including tools, factories, land, and labor, as well as distribution. In socialism, the means of production are socially owned and the surplus product generated by them is for the benefit of society as a whole, rather than a minority which accrues much more wealth than it has earned.

The means of production constitute the material factor of productive forces; including production technology, they form the material and technological basis of society.

See also

• Relations of production
• Mode of production