The Estrangement of Labour Free

A Critique of Political Economy

The concept of Labour is one of the most frequently used concepts in social and economic sciences. Karl Marx, an influential German philosopher and political economist, introduced this concept in his Capital,providing the following definition: “By labour-power or capacity for labour is to be understood the aggregate of those mental and physical capabilities existing in a human being, which he exercises whenever he produces a use-value of any description” (Marx 186). Marx used this concept to criticize capitalist political economy, which required establishing the economic and political system based on the total control of industry and trade by private owners rather than by the government. The concept of labour was characterized as positive because it fostered ideal conditions for economic growth and social equality. Marx differentiated between an individual’s capacity to perform work, labour power, the physical act of performing some work, and labour. He linked these concepts to human production. According to Marx, “like every others increase in  the productiveness of labour, machinery is intended to cheapen commodities and, by shortening the porting of the working day, in which the labourer works for himself, to lengthen the other portion that he gives, without an equivalent to the capitalist” (Marx 405). This fact means that capitalism is a system that is dependent on human production and that sets certain rules for labour power.

Also, Marx placed emphasis on the concept of the Estrangement of Labour, which he thought to be inherent in Capitalism. He characterized this concept as negative because estranged labour contributed to alienation, according to Marx. In other words, Marx provided acute criticism of Capitalism, applying the theory of alienation, which gave a clear description of describes of the estrangement of individuals from the perspective of the so-called “species-essence” (Marx 324). This fact means that the Estrangement of Labour could contribute to the formation of society of stratified social classes. According to Marx, a society with capitalist production provides conditions for the growth of anarchy in the social division of labour and despotism in that of the workshop” (391).

There are many examples taken from social context that demonstrate each concept. One of these examples is the example of unskilled labour that does not depend on previously obtained  education and training. Working in the garden and growing flowers are examples of manual labour. Various types of manufacturing work used in plants and factories, security guard services,  services provided by shop assistants, service provided by waiters are examples of semi-skilled labour that depends on education and training. The examples of skilled labour include engineering, accounting, cooking, and other works that require certain level of specific education. The above mentioned examples of labour point out to the fact that there is the Estrangement of Labour that is linked to the establishment of the capitalist society. The Estrangement of Labour incorporates the processes that require division of tasks that should be performed by individuals. As a result, the productivity of labour can be expanded significantly through specialization. According to Marx’s Labour Theory of Value, productive labour generates  material wealth. In other words, labour is substance of value that has a positive aspect. According to Marx, all forms of labour which exchange against capital  or through salaries is productive. So, it generates value. Marx suggested that capitalist production “develops technology” and combines various processes to generate profits (556).

Actually, Marx understood and related these concepts to his situation. He criticized Capitalism because the productive powers of labour could emerge in human society in the form of the creative power of capital. He was concerned with the fact that labour power at work could emerge as one of the main elements of capital and could serve as working capital. This fact means that Marx was concerned with the new meaning of work which could make workers responsible for their working duties labour force. The total control over performance of work should be assigned to management. He considered labour as some type of the so-called form- giving activity, which required various instruments of labour that could have positive aspect.

As a matter of fact, it is necessary to consider the positive aspects defined by Marx and the negative aspects of the above mentioned concepts to draw relevant conclusions on application of these concepts to current situation. The positive aspects of labour are few, namely lack of sense of alienation and lack of  the division of tasks which leads to social equality. These aspects appeal to universal moral standards. The negative aspects of the Estrangement of Labour are the following: negative effects on society, separation of work that leads to emergence of different social classes, and social inequality. These aspects do not appeal to universal moral standards.

Thus, it is necessary to conclude that the concept of Labour is easy to understand because  it is related to everyday activities. Nevertheless, this concept has emerged as a complex category due to the relations it generates in modern society. For Marx, the concept of Labour is characterized by its positive aspect, while the concept of the Estrangement of Labour is categorized by its negative aspect. Marx provides criticism of capitalism, applying the concept of the Estrangement of Labour that is linked to the concept of alienation. According to Marx, it is critical to overcome alienation in order to foster realization of a universal ideal, which opposes the system of capitalism. Marx places emphasis on the emergence of communism as a result of  overcoming alienation.

 

Works Cited

Marx, Karl. Capital: A Critique of Political Economy – The Process of Capitalist Production. Cosimo, Inc., 2007. Print.

The terms offer and acceptance. (2016, May 17). Retrieved from

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016.

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

freeessays.club (2016) The terms offer and acceptance [Online].
Available at:

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]

"The terms offer and acceptance." freeessays.club, 17 May 2016

[Accessed: March 29, 2024]
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