"Of the elements handed down to a later age from an earlier, what appears accidental to the later age as opposed to the earlier, is a form of intercourse which corresponded to a less developed stage of the productive forces. The relation of the productive forces to the form of intercourse is the relation of the form of intercourse to the occupation or activities of the individuals."
These two sentences are a little repetitive and confusing, but my main confusion lies in Marx's reference to 'productive forces'.
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I believe that the "elements" to be handed down from an earlier age to a later age would perhaps be teachings of some sort or developments in technology or medecine. He seems to be referencing an evolution of culture in most of the text and I suppose the elements handed down would just be those favorable aspects that this "evolution" has decided society keeps.
I think that the "productive forces" are perhaps each individuals contribution to this overall society. that would explain why the forces differ according to the occupation of the individual, like between a farmer and a shoemaker. The intercourse in this case would be how that individual interacts with the rest of society... or perhaps it is referencing how that culture would interact with other cultures... I'm not so sure on that one.
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