Differentiation and capital accumulation : case studies of the carpet and metal industries in Kayseri (Turkey)

A study of two industries based on field work carried out in Kayseri [Turkey]. In the carpet and metal industries diverse forms of production coexist: artisanal production, the putting out system, capitalist manufacture, factory production and various hybrid forms. These forms are examined with special reference to technological organisation, production relations and capital accumulation. Special emphasis is given to the analysis of the relationships between the different forms of production which exist in each industry. Recent research on urbanisation in the Third World indicates the significance of differentiation in the non-capitalist sector of the urban economy. A fundamental argument i5 this that an adequate understanding of the employment situation in the urban areas requires the construction of theoretical frameworks which take into account the analysis of differentiation within the capitalist sector. An attempt is made to examine industrial growth in Turkey from this perspective. The dualist approaches which see the 'informal sector' as an autonomous one are criticised on the basis of the assertions of the BSA Development Group [petty commodity approach]. The data on the carpet and metal industries indicate the dependence of small scale and labour-intensive industries on capitalist factory production. However, the cases of the carpet and metal industries also show-that this dependence may not decisively block capital accumulation within the informal sector. Contrary to the assumption held by the BSA Development Group approach, it is argued that accumulation can take place despite dependence.