social reproduction

social reproduction

  1. the process (including biological reproduction and SOCIALIZATION) by which societies reproduce their social institutions and social structure. It is usually assumed, especially of modern societies, that this process is accompanied by elements of social transformation as well as social reproduction.
  2. (MARXISM) the maintenance of an existing MODE OF PRODUCTION and pattern of social relations within a particular society. Within capitalism, this is seen as the outcome of the continual reproduction and extended reproduction of capital (see ACCUMULATION (OR EXPANDED OR EXTENDED REPRODUCTION) OF CAPITAL AND CIRCUITS OF CAPITAL) and the associated maintenance of existing economic and social relations by recourse to IDEOLOGY. See also CULTURAL REPRODUCTION, ACCUMULATION OF CAPITAL.