Meaning: This quote by Earl Browder, an American political activist and leader of the Communist Party USA, encapsulates a key concept in Marxist theory regarding the dynamics of social and economic development. It reflects the idea that as the productive capacity of a society advances, it can lead to tensions and conflicts with the existing social and economic structures. This concept is central to understanding the dynamics of historical and social change, as well as the potential for revolutionary transformation.

At the core of this quote is the notion of the "productive forces" and the "social conditions of production" as articulated by Karl Marx in his analysis of capitalism. The productive forces refer to the technological, material, and human resources that are utilized to produce goods and services, while the social conditions of production encompass the relations of ownership, distribution of wealth, and the organization of labor within a given society.

Marx argued that as the productive forces develop and expand, driven by technological innovation and the growth of the economy, they can come into conflict with the existing social relations and structures. This conflict arises because the social conditions of production, such as private ownership of the means of production and class-based relations, may act as barriers to the full utilization and equitable distribution of the productive forces.

The "social system" mentioned in the quote refers to the broader social, political, and economic framework within which production and exchange take place. This system includes institutions such as the state, legal systems, and social norms that shape and regulate economic activity. As the productive forces continue to expand, the existing social system may become increasingly rigid and resistant to change, leading to tensions and contradictions within the system.

The quote suggests that this clash between the forces of production and the social conditions of production can create a fertile ground for social and political conflict. This conflict can manifest in various forms, including labor struggles, class antagonisms, and political movements aimed at challenging the existing social order. It implies that the growth and development of the productive forces can generate social and economic upheaval, as well as create opportunities for transformative change.

Earl Browder, as a prominent figure in the American left-wing political movements of the 20th century, was likely drawing on these Marxist concepts to highlight the inherent contradictions within capitalist societies. His quote reflects a perspective that views the development of productive forces as a potential catalyst for social change and revolutionary struggle.

In summary, Earl Browder's quote encapsulates a fundamental aspect of Marxist analysis, emphasizing the inherent tensions and conflicts that arise between the advancing productive forces and the established social conditions of production. It underscores the potential for social and political upheaval as a result of these contradictions, providing insight into the dynamics of historical and social change within capitalist societies.