Class Structure and Communist Theory

Abstract

An analysis of the writings of Communist theorists, particularly Asian Communists, demonstrates the flexibility of Communist theory for dealing operationally with the underdeveloped areas and their people. Class theory has been continuously modified and elaborated to justify the proletariat's alliance with the petty bourgeoisie, and even with national capitalists, in the early stages of the multistage revolution. Mr. van der Kroef, Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of Bridgeport, intends this analysis as a reply to the abstracts and commentary on “New Soviet Doctrines on Underdeveloped Areas” by Andrew Janos in the February issue of the ABS.