Social Change The Co-operative System and Class Formation

Abstract

After a long time of comparative domance and neglect, Marxist methodology in the analysis of the state was revived in the Milliband-Pau1autzas’ debate (Nicos Paulinizes, 1969). But this is only true as far as the state in advanced capitalist societies is concerned. At tempts to reconceptualize the state in a vigorous Marxist theory in Africa is still embryonic. Much of the academic scholarship on African societies and institutions, thus still follow the anthropological functionalist approach. In this paper, we intend to examine classes within the Tanzanian co operatives using the Alavi-Sau1 debate on the post-colonial state and the role it (the pre-colonial state) plays in reconciling class interests within the production process.