Theory of Convergence, a bourgeois theory claiming that the evolution and interpenetration of capitalism and socialism will result in the emergence of a so-called universal society, combining the best features of the two socio-economic systems. The best-known advocates of this theory are the American economists Pitirim Sorokin, John Galbraith and the Dutch economist Jan Tinbergen. The theory of convergence does not present an integral or well-developed system of views. There are three viewpoints as to in which system the changes take place: some consider that the changes leading to convergence are occurring in socialist society; others see these changes in capitalism; while the third group affirms that both systems are undergoing evolutionary changes. There is also no general consensus on the ways of convergence. Many advocates of the theory refer to the scientific and technological revolution and the growth of large-scale production that it has spawned, as well as to the peculiarities of its management inherent in both systems. Another large group includes those who emphasise the development of state planning and its correlation with the market mechanism. Some believe that convergence is taking place in all spheres: technology, politics, social structure and ideology. There exist also discrepancies of views in defining the final results of convergence. Most of the architects of this theory conclude that the two systems will merge to produce a single society differing from both capitalism and socialism. Another viewpoint maintains that both systems will persist, though in considerably modified forms. But every one of them, in one way or another, implies that in the process of convergence socialism will be absorbed by capitalism. The main flaw in all versions of the convergence theory is that they ignore the socio- 361 economic nature of both systems, which happen to be intrinsically different. While private capitalist ownership is based on exploitation, the socialist system of ownership excludes it completely. Bourgeois economists base their theory on superficial, formally similar features, such as the utilisation of new technology, changes in production management, and elements of planning. However, the essence and the objectives as well as social and economic implications of these features are fundamentally different under socialism. No convergence between capitalism and socialism is possible because of the fundamental differences in the social and economic nature of the two systems. The aim of the convergence theory is to delude the working masses that it is possible to gradually eliminate the antagonistic contradictions of capitalism within the framework of the system itself and to divert them from revolutionary struggle.