Class collaboration

Class collaboration is a principle of social organization based upon the belief that the division of society into a hierarchy of social classes is a positive and essential aspect of civilization.

Class collaboration in various socioeconomic systems

Class collaboration under capitalism

Ayn Rand utterly rejected the notion that one should live an isolated life. She recognized that a crucial way we “develop ourselves” and pursue our rational self-interest is by building strong relationships with other people, whether in business, friendship, romance, or any other kind of life-serving relationship. Rand wrote hundreds of pages about the virtues and benefits of collaborating with others to mutual advantage. She also recognized that, as participants in capitalism, “we’re all connected” through the voluntary division of labor in the free market, where value is exchanged always for value. In presenting her theory of rational egoism, Rand explained why acting in one’s self-interests often entails “looking out” for others to protect the innocent from injustice, to aid our friends and allies, and to protect and support our friends and loved ones.[1]

Class collaboration under communism

Communists, and anarcho-communists movements are ideologically and fundamentally opposed to class collaboration, advocating for class struggle and generally favoring a classless society instead.

However, some Leninists argue that, in a country with a large peasant population, the transition to communism can be accomplished by an alliance between two classes, the peasantry and the proletariat, united against the bourgeois class.[2]

Mao Zedong's New Democracy concept can be viewed as a form of class collaboration, as it calls for "the peasantry, the proletariat, the petty bourgeoisie and national and patriotic elements from the bourgeoisie to collectively operate for the building of a socialist society".

Class collaboration under fascism

Class collaboration is one of the main pillars of social architecture in Fascism. In the words of Benito Mussolini, fascism "affirms the irremediable, fruitful and beneficent inequality of men."[3] Given this premise, fascists conclude that the preservation of social hierarchy is in the interests of all classes, and therefore all classes should collaborate in its defense. Both the lower and the higher classes should accept their roles and perform their respective duties.

In fascist thought, the principle of class collaboration is combined with strong nationalism. The stability and the prosperity of the nation was seen as the ultimate purpose of collaboration between classes.

Rejection of class collaboration

Class collaboration is generally rejected on the basis that it is founded on social privilege. Philosophers of every camp have argued against having social privilege in society.

Communist rejection of class collaboration

Whereas the doctrine of class struggle urges the lower classes to overthrow the ruling class and the existing social order for the purpose of establishing equality, the doctrine of class collaboration urges them to accept inequality as part of the natural state of things and preserve the social order. Furthermore it holds that the State alone 'reconciles' class antagonisms in society, and that the strife which gives rise to Communism can be harmonized.

Some Marxists use the term "class collaboration" as a pejorative term describing working class organisations that do not pursue class struggle.

References

  1. ↑ Ayn Rand (1966). "Capitalism: The Unknown Ideal".
  2. ↑ V. I. Lenin (January 23, 1923). "How We Should Reorganise the Wokers' and Peasants' Inspection".
  3. ↑ "The Doctrine of Fascism". Enciclopedia Italiana. Rome: Istituto Giovanni Treccani. 1932.

See also