Base
The 'base' of a given society are defined by Marx as the totality of the relations of production within it[1]. In other words, it is a societies given economic structure at a given stage of development[2]. It gives rise to a certain Superstructure that corresponds to it, with each base having its own types of superstructures (e.g. a capitalist base, that can support a Liberal democracy, Fascism, a constitutional monarchy, etc as a superstructure. In all examples, we have the same economic system with differing political factors[3]).
References
- ↑ Marx, A Contribution to the Critique of Political Economy, P4. Note however that, in the original German version, what is translated as "the real foundation" is written as "die reale Basis", better translated as 'the real Base"
- ↑ Stalin, Marxism and the Problem of Linguistics
- ↑ Stalin's interview with Mr. Stassen, 9 April 1947 The relevant excerpt, translated: "Stassen says he's happy to hear that and that he wants to touch I.V.'s statement. Stalin that the economic systems of the United States and Germany are the same. He must say that the economic systems of the United States and Germany differed from each other, when Germany began the war. I.V. Stalin disagrees with this and says that there was a difference in regimes in the US and Germany, but there was no difference in economic systems. The regime is a temporary, political factor."