In a recent article in The Listmer Joan Robinson contradicts Western propoganda on the Chinese communcs. Contrary to reports, she states, the system fostcrs and protcets family life. Far from breaking up during ths recent bad yoars, it was "the communes that made it possible for the authoritios to so» the country through without the famines and massive deaths from starvation that were common in tho old days, and to kasp the pricc of foodstuffs stoady. (By the way I think it was a mors remarkable achievemont than any great leap to have oo S$ period of severe shortages without inflation. )" One thing that had to be dropped was tho idea of giving everybody rations regardless of labour days work od. But in addition to giving members food, clothing, shelter, medical care and funoral expsnses (revolutionary in Asia), a commune would also offor a welfare fund, a hospital, clinics, primary schools, and opportunities to leave for colloge training.
The WeekThe Week Vol. 1, No. 7, 12 February 1964
Chinise Co Munis
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