Karl Marx's thoughts on functional income distribution - a critical analysis

Hansjörg Herr
Institute for International Political Economy Berlin, 2018
Grado: debutante
Perspectivas: Economía política Marxista, Economía poskeynesiana
Topic: Macroeconomía
Format: Working Paper
Enlace: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/175885

Photo by Hennie Stander on Unsplash

Exploring Economics Working Paper Selection

We collect and republish selected Working Papers and Journal Articles on Exploring Economics.

Learn more

Karl Marx's thoughts on functional income distribution - a critical analysis

Hansjörg Herr  | 2018

 


Abstract: Keynes, following the tradition of Marx, argued that all values are created by labour and profits. However, functional income distribution between wages and profits is explained differently. In Marx's explanation of functional income distribution, wages are given as a basket of goods needed for the reproduction needs of the working class. Profits are then the remaining part of income creation. Given the capital stock, the profit rate can be calculated. The paper shows that Marx's explanation of functional income distribution has several theoretical and practical shortcomings. The Keynesian paradigm in the tradition of the original Keynes provides an alternative. Here the profit rate is given by processes in the financial market, and, among other things, by the interest rate. Monopolistic or oligopolistic structures, following the tradition of Kalecki, can also influence the profit rate. In addition, financialisation can push up the profit rate. Given the capital stock the consumption basket of workers depends on the level of productivity and the profit rate explained in a Keynesian and Kaleckian way.

Key words: Marxism, functional income distribution, Sraffa, Keynesianism

Read here

 

Stay tuned!

Subscribe to our newsletter to learn about new debates, conferences and writing workshops.

Subscribe!

Go to: Karl Marx's thoughts on functional income distribution - a critical analysis

This material has been suggested and edited by:

Donar

Este proyecto es presentado por la Network for Pluralist Economics (Netzwerk Plurale Ökonomik e.V.) y socios internacionales.  Está comprometida con la diversidad y la independencia y depende de las donaciones de personas como tú. Donaciones regulares o puntuales serán muy apreciadas!

 

Donar