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An analysis of the hypothesis that capitalism constantly reproduces uneven constraints on classes of individuals is presented. This argument is based on Marxism and the concept of critical realism. Conclusions show that ontologically, power-competition is untenable, and that capitalist relations involve power because of the nature of capitalism.

P. Sraffa's critique of the Marshallian theory of supply originated from his concern with the development of an all-encompassing theory that could explain the economic laws governing capitalism. That fact generally remains unnoticed by the experts in their interpretations of Sraffa's works. Sraffa was trying to develop a theory of value that could account for increasing returns.

Economists Tugan and Baranowsky theorized that economic crises due to underconsumption will not occur since capitalists will continue to invest in capital goods or machines to make more machines. The phenomena of assets increasing in value despite questionable intrinsic utility was described as a 'bubble.' Bubbles happen when individuals invest in assets in the hope of selling at increased prices to other individuals with the same intentions. While bubbles may give rise to periodic booms and crashes, they help remove inefficiency from an economy.