The basis of the capitalist economic system is economic exchange, and the economic interests of participants are necessarily in opposition. This is a trait that capitalism has in common with other modes of production, but its principal characteristic is the possession of the means of production by relatively few. The masses, who do not have the means of production, are forced to sell their labor to those who do. This condition stifles social instincts and develops among those with power the spirit of domination and insensibility to the needs of others, while awakening jealousy and servility by those who depend on them. The material and intellectual condition of the proletariat (working class) contribute to their low moral behavior. The economic position of women also contributes to the weakening of social instincts. The relationship between sexual crimes and economic conditions is less direct, but there is evidence of the decisive influence of these conditions. The working class generally believes that the causes of material and intellectual poverty can be eliminated only by having the means of production held in common. In a society based upon the community of the means of production, great contrasts of wealth would, like commercial capital, be lacking, and the incentive to close the gap between the poor and the wealthy through theft would be eliminated, as would the jealousy, envy, and rage spawned by economic injustice and inequality. Changes in the position of women that are occurring in current capitalist society will lead to economic independence, and thus social independence, under common ownership of the means of production.