The Capital by Karl Marx examines the capitalist economic system. To Marx, while capitalism is undeniably powerful and productive it also serves to limit our ability to exercise our right to freedom, happiness, and equality. The capitalist system of economics is often highlighted as one of the prominent reasons for American prosperity. Therefore it is striking that this work takes issue with it operation. This paper will examine Marx’s ideas about the faults of capitalism.
According to Marx, the problem at the root of the capitalist system is that it contributes to the exploitation of workers. At the heart of this problem, for Marx is the fact that the means of production are owned privately by a select few. The means of production is comprised …show more content…
In the capitalist system, there are two social classes: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The proletariat is the largest social group comprised of poor working class individuals that sell labor in exchange for wages. The bourgeoisie in comparison is a small group made up of wealthy individuals who buy labor from the working class. This is the relationship that has been described previously between the capitalist and the worker. The point of contention amidst the two stems from the unequal distribution of power and …show more content…
Marx specifically details how the system has come to affect the operation of the family unit. As machinery was introduced into the factory setting the wages earned by the worker decreased making it more difficult for the worker to obtain the things necessary to sustain their family. As a result, more members of the family entered into the workforce. This meant that both women and children became involved in the production of goods and thereby profits for the capitalists. Marx iterates this point as he states that “every member of the workman’s family, without distinction of age or sex. Compulsory work for the capitalist usurped the place, not only of the children’s play, but also of free labour at home within moderate limits for the support of the family” (244). As the employment statuses of these women and children changed so did their daily interactions as a
According to Marx, the problem at the root of the capitalist system is that it contributes to the exploitation of workers. At the heart of this problem, for Marx is the fact that the means of production are owned privately by a select few. The means of production is comprised …show more content…
In the capitalist system, there are two social classes: the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The proletariat is the largest social group comprised of poor working class individuals that sell labor in exchange for wages. The bourgeoisie in comparison is a small group made up of wealthy individuals who buy labor from the working class. This is the relationship that has been described previously between the capitalist and the worker. The point of contention amidst the two stems from the unequal distribution of power and …show more content…
Marx specifically details how the system has come to affect the operation of the family unit. As machinery was introduced into the factory setting the wages earned by the worker decreased making it more difficult for the worker to obtain the things necessary to sustain their family. As a result, more members of the family entered into the workforce. This meant that both women and children became involved in the production of goods and thereby profits for the capitalists. Marx iterates this point as he states that “every member of the workman’s family, without distinction of age or sex. Compulsory work for the capitalist usurped the place, not only of the children’s play, but also of free labour at home within moderate limits for the support of the family” (244). As the employment statuses of these women and children changed so did their daily interactions as a