Grossman, Jonathan (1985) Class relations and the policies of the Communist Party of South Africa, 1921-1950. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

The Communist Party(CP) was formed in 1921, on the foundation
created by the International Socialist League (ISL). An
investigation of the theory and practice of the CP reveals the
combination of a socialist commitment with an abstract
theoretical perspective. The Party was obstructed, through its
own idealised understanding of class relations, from pursuing its
declared goals. This study investigates the rhythms of struggle
and the dynamic development of the workers' movement. It examines
the growing social weight and developing structural strength of
black workers and the organisation and action which these
generated. CP policies are examined in the light of these
developments.
Oppression which spans different classes created the underlying
basis for a class alliance between the oppressed black petty
bourgeoisie and exploited and oppressed black workers. The CP
tended to conflate a co-incidence of different processes of
radicalisation and different class interests. The Party broke
from the white labour tradition out of which it had emerged; it
pursued a policy of popular frontism for much of its history.
This policy, and the conflation of different processes and class
interests promoted an uncertainty within the Party as to its
role. On this basis, the Party did not always identify underlying
processes, and hence its uncertainty as to how to relate to the
dynamic processes of radicalisation, organisation and action, and
the ebbs and flows of the class struggle was promoted. In 1950,
the Party responded to the threat of state banning, and, at a
time when working class combativity was developing, it disbanded.
In the period under study, the goal of working class leadership
in an organised class alliance was not achieved.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	J Political Science > JQ Political institutions (Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Area, etc.)
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Communist Party of South Africa -- History, South Africa -- Politics and government -- 20th century, Social classes -- South Africa -- History -- 20th century
Official Date:	November 1985
Dates:	Date Event November 1985 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Sociology
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Legassick, Martin ; Fine, Robert, 1945-
Extent:	680 leaves
Language:	eng

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