Discussion Post: The Commodity in Capitalism/yt6d
Posted: February 3rd, 2025
Discussion Post: The Commodity in Capitalism
Marx and Engels (1908) argue that commodities are fundamental to capitalism. They form the basis of capitalist production and exchange. The value of a commodity is determined by the socially necessary labor time required for its production. This concept is central to understanding how capitalism functions.
This labor theory of value explains how surplus value, the basis of capitalist profit, arises. Capitalists, according to Marx and Engels, extract this surplus value by paying workers less than the full value of the labor they perform. This exploitation is inherent in the capitalist system.
Being classified as a commodity by Marx and Engels is unsettling. It highlights the potential for dehumanization within capitalist systems. It suggests that my worth, like that of any other commodity, can be reduced to my labor power, my ability to produce goods or services. This perspective raises ethical concerns about the commodification of human life.
One implication of being a commodity in capitalist production is the potential for alienation. Workers may feel disconnected from the products they create and from their own labor process. This alienation can lead to feelings of powerlessness and dissatisfaction. It also underscores the potential for exploitation within the capitalist system.
Furthermore, the commodification of labor can lead to precarious employment and a lack of control over one’s working conditions. This lack of control can have significant impacts on individuals’ lives and well-being. The constant pressure to maximize productivity can also lead to burnout and stress.
As Marx and Engels (1908) argue, “The worker becomes all the more poor the more wealth he produces, the more his production increases in power and extent.” (para. 12). This quote highlights the inherent contradiction within capitalism, where the worker’s labor creates wealth for the capitalist, but not necessarily for the worker themselves.
References
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1908). Manifesto of the Communist Party. New York, NY: New York Labor News Co. http://www.gutenberg.org/files/31193/31193-h/31193-h.htm
The Commodity and Capitalism : A Reflection on Marx and Engels
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Discussion Post.
Directions (2.5 points)
–Using at least 100 words, summarize Marx and Engels (1908) arguments about the importance of commodities to capitalism (.5 point)
–State your reaction to being classified by Marx and Engels (1908) as a commodity (.5 point)
—State 1 implication for you being a commodity in capitalist production (.5 point)
—Show your reading by using Purdue owl/APA formats to correctly cite one supportive
scholarly source = (.5 point)
—Use of English = (.5 point)
References/Assignment Resources
Marx, K. & Engels, F. (1908). Manifesto of the Communist Party. New York, NY: New York Labor News Co.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/31193/31193-h/31193-h.htm
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