ABSTRACT
This paper presents a critical reconstruction of the history of interpretations of the Marxist explanation of differential rent II. We show that, in contrast to how it is commonly portrayed, the current hegemonic interpretation within Marxist theory is far from immutable and incontrovertible. Alongside it, there exist at least two relevant interpretations, one of which held sway from the first readings of Marx’s explanation through the late nineteen-seventies. Each of these interpretations, as well as the historical context in which they emerged, their dissemination, and the debates they inspired, are synthetized in the course of this reconstruction. In the case of the interpretation currently in vogue, our analysis focuses in we particular on the textual evidence it cites to support its Marxist bona fides. Finally, we offer a critical assessment of the different interpretations.
KEYWORDS: Ground Rent; Differential Rent Type II; Marxist Theory; Agrarian Capital; Ground Property.