Marx on Exploitation and Class Struggle

Questions and Answers

What is Marx's technical definition of exploitation?

Workers sell their labor-power for less than the full value of produced commodities. (correct)

Workers are paid fairly for their labor.

Surplus value belongs to the workers.

Capitalists produce the commodities themselves.

Capitalism is not exploitative.

False

How is exploitation a matter of degree?

Exploitation varies based on the amount of surplus value appropriated by capitalists.

Capitalists must find ways to stay afloat because the capitalist economy is ______.

competitive Signup and view all the answers

How may capitalists increase the surplus value extracted from workers?

By extending the working day and cutting wages. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of Marx's theory of exploitation?

The worker becomes a mere commodity. Signup and view all the answers

If the supply of workers exceeds demand, wages tend to fall.

True Signup and view all the answers

What connotation does the term 'exploitation' carry?

Moralistic and normative concepts such as fairness. Signup and view all the answers

Marx proposed a theory of justice that capitalism frustrates.

False Signup and view all the answers

What was Marx interested in examining?

Historical patterns, human interests, and social structures. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Exploitation in Marx's Theory

Technical definition of exploitation: workers sell their labor-power for less than the full value of the commodities they produce.
Capitalists do not produce goods themselves but derive profit from the surplus value appropriated from workers' labor.
Surplus value is essential for capitalist profit, highlighting the exploitative nature of the capitalist system.

Nature of Capitalism

Capitalism creates a disconnect between price and value, leading to exploitation.
The competitive nature of capitalism compels capitalists to seek ways to maximize profit, often at the expense of workers.

Degree of Exploitation

Exploitation exists on a spectrum; the level of exploitation is determined by the amount of surplus value capitalists extract from workers.
Greater surplus value extraction can occur through extending the working day or reducing wages.

Worker Commodification

Within a capitalist framework, the worker is reduced to a mere commodity, underlining the dehumanizing aspect of capitalism.

Labor Market Dynamics

An oversupply of workers leads to decreased wages, as profit maximization drives decisions in response to labor demand.

Moral Implications of Exploitation

The term "exploitation" carries moralistic and normative implications, raising questions about fairness and justice.
Marx clarifies that his analysis does not aim to formulate a theory of justice but rather to explore historical patterns and social structures reflecting human interests.

Interpretation Challenges

While Marx's work diagnoses economic and social conditions, interpretations often veer towards normative theories, particularly among his followers.

Description

Explore the key concepts of Marx's definitions of exploitation and class struggle through these flashcards. Learn how workers are forced to sell their labor and the implications of surplus value in a capitalist society. Test your understanding of these fundamental Marxist ideas.