Reaction Memo 1: “Wages of Labour”
Marx discusses that “the competition between the capitalist and the worker” is complex and he questions why “nothing but an exchange-value” has been seen in labor. This exchange-value that Marx refers to highlights Marx’s notion that money as the sole driver of labor is dangerous to the laborer. It should not be and is not the only factor in the present political economy. And although profit for labor is the most simplistic and common transaction, Marx argues that there is more to the equation. For example, Marx identifies that although labor is treated as a commodity in the political economy, a commodity is materialistic and labor is more than such. Labor to the worker equates to a life for themselves and their families as they dedicate their skills to their work in order to sustain a life to live. Treating labor as a commodity is dangerous as it demolishes any possible self-actualization to develop.
In my opinion, Marx makes a valid point in discussing the fact that a laborer is more than their skills needed to satisfy the capitalist. A separation must exist between a laborer’s identity and their work to establish their essence as humans rather than workers. It’s frustrating that capitalism dominates man’s desire to accumulate wealth and Marx acknowledges this. Marx argues that “we now have to grasp the essential connection between private property, greed, the separation of labor” and more. This idea of sensuous labor and its dissimilation in the political economy is made clear by the transaction based relationship between the capitalist and the worker. Marx identifies that sensuous labor cannot exist if the worker creates anything without nature. He views nature as a critical component to produce products as well as to evoke self-satisfaction. In fact, the external world is critical to the worker to be able to escape alienation that arises within the capitalist mode of production. I believe that this idea still holds truth today especially within modern day corporate culture. Many companies are diving into aggressive business plans and processes that are supposedly “essential to compete” yet are lacking in creativity. They are simply hindering the potential of employees’ abilities to think creatively and in tune with nature by establishing such rigid and barbarous intentions. In my opinion, creativity and process must live in harmony to generate success. This balanced relationship is necessary to orchestrate sensuous labor and it is disappointing as well as alarming that modern corporate culture is full of greed and self-benefit. With such an abundant focus on ruthless culture and an increasing capitalistic mindset, creative and innovative ideas are dissipating by the second.
1. How has the idea of sensuous labor evolved in today’s working environment?
2. What aspects of corporate culture today would Marx agree/disagree with?
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