Wage Labor and Capital
Introduction: In 1847 through a string of lectures, prominent Sociologist Karl Marx sought to discover and describe the “economic conditions which form the material basis of the present struggles between classes and nations” (Marx). In other words, he examined the relationship between Wage Labor and Capital, and how they contributed to the vast disparities between the working class and the Wealthy upper class. Marx discusses the differences between Labor and Labor power, the true definition of capital and wages, and how capitalists directly oppose the interests of the working class.
Main Argument:
• Marx opens the lecture detailing the belief that society holds on wages and the relationship between workers and capitalists. This belief is that people sell their labor to their …show more content…
Why does Marx believe the interests of capital and wage labor are diametrically opposed?
• The main interests of capital and capitalists are to grow and expand, by any means necessary. Businesses are constantly competing to have the cheapest costs and make the greatest profit. Whether from purchasing better machines or paying the cheapest wages for production, capital’s main purpose is to amass more capital and wealth.
• The main interest of wage laborers is to survive and maintain. They do not strive for the gluttonous form of wealth and excess that capitalists seek. And the only extent to which workers would have similar interests in the growth of capital is to receive “the larger … crumbs which fall to him” (Marx).
• Karl Marx argues that while Capital may increase, profits, and even the wages of workers in the company, they are on vastly different levels. And the wealth of capitalists continues to grow at remarkable
Introduction: In 1847 through a string of lectures, prominent Sociologist Karl Marx sought to discover and describe the “economic conditions which form the material basis of the present struggles between classes and nations” (Marx). In other words, he examined the relationship between Wage Labor and Capital, and how they contributed to the vast disparities between the working class and the Wealthy upper class. Marx discusses the differences between Labor and Labor power, the true definition of capital and wages, and how capitalists directly oppose the interests of the working class.
Main Argument:
• Marx opens the lecture detailing the belief that society holds on wages and the relationship between workers and capitalists. This belief is that people sell their labor to their …show more content…
Why does Marx believe the interests of capital and wage labor are diametrically opposed?
• The main interests of capital and capitalists are to grow and expand, by any means necessary. Businesses are constantly competing to have the cheapest costs and make the greatest profit. Whether from purchasing better machines or paying the cheapest wages for production, capital’s main purpose is to amass more capital and wealth.
• The main interest of wage laborers is to survive and maintain. They do not strive for the gluttonous form of wealth and excess that capitalists seek. And the only extent to which workers would have similar interests in the growth of capital is to receive “the larger … crumbs which fall to him” (Marx).
• Karl Marx argues that while Capital may increase, profits, and even the wages of workers in the company, they are on vastly different levels. And the wealth of capitalists continues to grow at remarkable