Meaning: The quote "Because capitalist society has expanded the productive forces so enormously, the social conditions under which it arose lag behind and become fetters holding back the further growth of productive forces" by Earl Browder, an activist and former leader of the Communist Party USA, reflects a critical perspective on the relationship between capitalist society and its capacity for economic growth. Browder's quote encapsulates the Marxist understanding of the development of productive forces and the social relations that shape and constrain their advancement.

At the core of Browder's quote is the idea that the expansion of productive forces within a capitalist society has outpaced the social conditions and relations that initially enabled their growth. This notion aligns with Karl Marx's theory of historical materialism, which posits that the development of productive forces is the driving force behind societal change. According to this perspective, as productive forces expand, the existing social and economic structures, including the capitalist mode of production, become outdated and obstructive, impeding further growth and progress.

In the context of Browder's quote, the term "productive forces" refers to the means of production, including technology, machinery, and human labor, which are essential for generating economic output. The expansion of these productive forces under capitalism has led to increased efficiency, technological innovation, and overall economic growth. However, Browder suggests that the social conditions and relations that underpin the capitalist system have failed to keep pace with this rapid expansion, creating impediments to the further development of productive forces.

The concept of "fetters" in Browder's quote alludes to the constraints and limitations imposed by the existing social conditions on the potential growth and utilization of productive forces. From a Marxist perspective, these fetters are rooted in the private ownership of the means of production, the pursuit of profit, and the uneven distribution of wealth and resources within capitalist societies. As a result, the potential for further technological advancement, equitable distribution of resources, and overall societal progress is hindered by these social and economic constraints.

Browder's quote also reflects a critique of the contradictions inherent in capitalist society, where the pursuit of profit and the accumulation of capital often come into conflict with the broader social and economic interests of the population. This critique aligns with Marx's analysis of the inherent contradictions and antagonisms within the capitalist mode of production, which he argued would ultimately lead to its own downfall.

Furthermore, Browder's perspective can be interpreted as a call for transformative social and economic change, advocating for a shift away from the capitalist system in order to unleash the full potential of the productive forces for the benefit of society as a whole. In this sense, the quote reflects a fundamental critique of capitalism and its ability to effectively harness and deploy productive forces in a manner that serves the collective good.

In conclusion, Earl Browder's quote encapsulates a critical perspective on the relationship between capitalist society and the development of productive forces. By highlighting the lagging social conditions and the fetters that hinder further growth, Browder's quote underscores the tensions and contradictions embedded within the capitalist mode of production. This perspective aligns with Marxist theories of historical materialism and provides a critique of capitalism's limitations in fully realizing the potential of productive forces for the benefit of society.