What do you think?
The Clash of Group Interests
In this thrilling essay written in 1945, Mises lays out a theory of social organization in response to the Marxist critique of the free society. He explains that the Marxist view is wrong concerning its claim that there is a clash of group interests in the market order. He explains the difference in the competition between producers and a Marxian-type struggle. He shows how the relationships between labor and capital are essentially cooperative in that interests coincide over the long run - and so it is with all groups in a free society.
However, he goes further to map out a theory of what he calls castes that form under interventionist systems. Here the privileged group really does live at the expense of the paying group in a manner which Marx suggests - but with the key difference that it is the state and not the market that makes this possible.
In this way, argues Mises, the state is the cause of social conflict; the more it intervenes in the market order, the more conflict it creates, as taxes, regulations, and legal privileges of all sort begin to blot out the harmonious relationships that would otherwise exist on the market.
In his introduction, Rothbard explains the central importance of Mises's insight for understanding society and the market, and for providing a sound alternative to Marxian dialectics (which are still pervasive throughout academic departments today). Mises has unlocked many mysteries with this essay.
This publication singles out this essay in particular because of its importance for the world today. There does exist a clash of group interests - and it is the state that creates them. The only real resolution is to do away with all forms of statism.
However, he goes further to map out a theory of what he calls castes that form under interventionist systems. Here the privileged group really does live at the expense of the paying group in a manner which Marx suggests - but with the key difference that it is the state and not the market that makes this possible.
In this way, argues Mises, the state is the cause of social conflict; the more it intervenes in the market order, the more conflict it creates, as taxes, regulations, and legal privileges of all sort begin to blot out the harmonious relationships that would otherwise exist on the market.
In his introduction, Rothbard explains the central importance of Mises's insight for understanding society and the market, and for providing a sound alternative to Marxian dialectics (which are still pervasive throughout academic departments today). Mises has unlocked many mysteries with this essay.
This publication singles out this essay in particular because of its importance for the world today. There does exist a clash of group interests - and it is the state that creates them. The only real resolution is to do away with all forms of statism.
- GenresEconomics
54 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Ludwig von Mises
294 books1,286 followersLudwig Heinrich Edler von Mises (German pronunciation: [ˈluːtvɪç fɔn ˈmiːzəs]; September 29, 1881 – October 10, 1973) was an Austrian economist, historian, philosopher, author, and classical liberal who had a significant influence on the Austrian government's economic policies in the first third of the 20th century, the Austrian School of Economics, and the modern free-market libertarian movement.
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September 7, 2023I'm surprised this doesn't have any reviews.
As far as the title essay goes: I'm glad that the Austrians have moved away from the idea that "there's no conflict between rational people". I don't know how you can maintain that while accepting subjectivism. Especially not with what people from disciplines where they're not forced into economic blinders have only ever clarified since the time when this was written.
When I see this, and the goofy immigration policies promoted by some libertarians, I just don't get the appeal and don't think I ever will. Why, in a world that's been caked in conflict for (almost) all times, would you think conflict isn't just part of the world we live in? Strange.
As far as the title essay goes: I'm glad that the Austrians have moved away from the idea that "there's no conflict between rational people". I don't know how you can maintain that while accepting subjectivism. Especially not with what people from disciplines where they're not forced into economic blinders have only ever clarified since the time when this was written.
When I see this, and the goofy immigration policies promoted by some libertarians, I just don't get the appeal and don't think I ever will. Why, in a world that's been caked in conflict for (almost) all times, would you think conflict isn't just part of the world we live in? Strange.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review