Marxist Rent Theory and Its Applications in Developing Countries

Abstract

The conceptual tools of Marxist rent theory, such as absolute and monopoly rent, need clarification. The institution of landed property, alone, is not responsible for absolute rent. The Marxist theory of land rent continues to apply under two contemporary conditions: (1) the agrarian stagnation in developing countries such as India and (2) the urban rents and property prices. Most owner-cultivators in developing countries could be earning negative rents. Furthermore, differential rents and monopoly rents — fueled by speculation and state policies — explain movements in urban rent and property prices if the organic composition of capital is similar across sectors.