Petty commodity production

Abstract

Petty commodity production (PCP) is a key reality of contemporary capitalism. Deceptively simple, it is shrouded in synonyms, debates and neglect. This essay covers its definitions and roles in agrarian change. Four aspects relevant to critical agrarian studies are introduced: its gendering, persistence, ‘unviability' and roles in the wider economy. Three debates are summarised: PCP versus peasants, exploitation versus conflict over appropriated surplus, simple reproduction and PCP expansion. Last, PCPs’ relations to the state and PCP politics are reviewed with material mostly drawn from South Asia. PCP remains a form of contemporary capitalism that must not be ignored either analytically or politically.

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