Isolationism?

[Harigh]

I've frequently been question about the true stability of Marxism when the unwilling are added into the mix and begin exploiting the system. Several of my less left-wing acquaintances has mentioned that "From each according to his ability" can be faked if done right, and that the same exploitation present in capitalism would be present in Marxism. Of course, I rebut with the fact that the opportunity for exploitation is much less, and it cannot create a large socioeconomic gap like exploitation of capitalism. However, that got me thinking. What about a society without the unwilling, at least to begin with? A group of Marxists (a rather large one) split off and create their own Marxist community, under which they operate by said ideologies. I was wondering if this was commonly brought up. I don't really know what to call it. Isolationist Marxism? What are your opinions on this? Does anyone have any information of it that I may not have heard of, possibly a recommended piece of reading?

[MarxSchmarx]

To some extent this describes the practical reality of the Chinese communists during their early history. Edgar Snow's "Red star over China" gets at some of this, although there the isolation was more out of necessity than choice, and the CCP was active with the local peasantry.

There might be a few small sects here and there who have tried something like what you describe, I simply don't know, but the fact that we haven't heard about them tells you something about the long-term viability of this strategy. In particular, unlike certain strains of anarchism, for example, most Marxists don't see individual actors as ontologically primary. What I mean by that is that individuals and their actions are as much defined by their social relationships to the material modes of production and existing social structures as they are by their own ideals, temperament, character and aspirations. A key component of the Marxist doctrine of class struggle is that a strategy that neglects the societal component and divorces itself from the prevailing economic forces cannot be a basis for social change. Self-proclaimed marxist groups that act otherwise are somewhat difficult to take seriously.

[Harigh]

I guess that kind of kills the idea of an isolationist community, because it's really true. While the community itself may be self proclaimed as Marxist, they still must live under the usual constraints of whatever society they are a part of, and if it's a capitalist society, they're hard to take seriously. I guess that would be why I've never heard of such a community.

[blake 3:17]

While the community itself may be self proclaimed as Marxist, they still must live under the usual constraints of whatever society they are a part of, and if it's a capitalist society, they're hard to take seriously.

I've lived in several Left collective houses. Definitely a big NO! to cults, but otherwise it can work quite well and offer some alternative to both market ethos and social conservative family values type stuff.

It's NOT a political strategy, but can be very positive for living decently and ecologically and many such houses, homes, etc., become social centre points where people actually talk to one another as equals. Hopefully.

Gotta go but more later.