A most interesting debate around the theoretical questions of labour organisation was carried out by Stephen Margin and David Landes. The arguments revolved around the question whether the factory system emerged because of technological necessity or becaue of the hierarchical relations favoured by capitalists. Based on the comparison of the two articles, the author draws some topical conclusions as well.

Who knows what the differences are between the second economy of the former state socialist economy, the informal sector of the Western market systems and the hidden economy in contemporary Estern Europe? Would anyone prefer to use the phrase shadow economy? Two young economists sort out in this article.

Contrary to the postmodernist critique, the authors believe that an enduring element of Marxist thought is the theory of modes of production. Marx was wrong, however, in believing that the working class could be the subject of new historic opportunities. Thus, the failure to create a basis for the unfolding of intellectual mode of production was perhaps the main reason for the fall of state socialism.