At the end of this chapter the learner should be able to:

1. Describe and analyse the underlying structure of a capitalist economy from the Marxian perspective;
2. Describe the concept of value from a Marxian perspective and explain the centrality of labour power in the creation of surplus value;
3. Analyse accumulation of surplus value and self-expansion of capital; and
4. Explain the conditions under which surplus value can be maximised.