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Towards a re-interpretation of the economics of feasible socialism
Address for correspondence: Dic Lo, Department of Economics, SOAS, University of London, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG, UK; email: diclo{at}soas.ac.uk
This paper re-examines the debate on whether socialism is feasible from the perspective of the literature on the division of labour and organisational forms. The central argument is twofold. First, each of the major protagonists in the debate provide a partial explanation as to when market socialism, planned socialism and participatory socialism are feasible. Second, the different perspectives on when socialism is feasible can be reconciled through seeing the arguments in terms of specific techno-economic paradigms, which are underpinned by their own concepts of the division of labour and efficiency attributes. The authors show that theories on the economics of socialism reflect different techno-economic paradigms and that when, and whether, the various views on socialism are appropriate depend on the prevailing external conditions, economic growth path and mode of institutional arrangement.
Key Words: Division of labour • Organisational forms • Socialism
Jel classifications: B2, P3
Manuscript received March 1, 2002; final version received November 27, 2002.