ABSTRACT
Relative autonomy theories assume that the ruling class will respond effectively to the states abuse of that autonomy. But for the ruling class to be capable of taking such corrective actions, it must have some degree of political cohesion, an understanding of its general interests, and a high degree of political sophistication. Substantial progress has been made in formulating a critique of orthodox Marxist formulations that reduce the state to a mere reflection of economic interests. Once one rejects the idea of ruling-class class consciousness, one needs to provide an alternative explanation of efforts at rationalization. Whatever the role of class struggle in advancing the development of revolutionary consciousness, class struggle between proletariat and ruling class in Marxs view has another important function.
