In this passage, Marx divides the labor in society into two groups, the property owners and propertyless workers. He goes on to explain the idea of a political economy and the only way to achieve greatness is through the external work place throughout the world. Together many individuals will work together to become a powerful capitalistic society according to Marx. But Marx argues on one main point that the workers are just commodities that create the wealth and power for the property owners. Marx refers to the workers as "aliens", which are divided into four groups: 1) workers are alienated from the products they built 2) workers are alienated from the labor process 3) workers are alienated from their bodies ability and 4) workers are alienated from each other.
To me I find it very interesting that in today's world people can sort of see what Marx's is talking about, especially in the United States currently. For example in America today the main goal of society is to become successful and come out on top. To do so one is believed that college in the answer and it is the most important thing as a youth to becoming a successful human being in society. It is thought that by attending college students are expected to get great jobs with great pay right when they graduate. But today that's completely changed and some if not most students can't find a job that will pay enough to pay off there loans for the first couple of years. Some actually say that instead of college, students should look more in to the labor/trade field which is ever so expanding and have proved to be a great deal of success to many.
I just have one question though, to me it is like Marx automatically assumes that every worker hates their job and he/she is considered less important throughout society. But to me atleast, I feel the exact opposite. Workers are a key part in how the world runs and without the workers the economy would not exsist and all the products that make life great and joyful would be no more. So to me the workers are very if not more important that the actual bosses. Also I know many peopel that enjoy their jobs and would trade them for anything else.
I found it very interesting that Marx sees us as alienated from our natural human needs or desires in a modern work place. Does Marx really think a human who is is focused on basic survival in a hunter gatherer society is somehow much happier than being alenated as a resource for capitalistic owners? When he says no pay of any amount will satisfy a worker, I find it presumptuous. I think there are ways in which a worker is a happy contributor in a capitalist society and I for one have found satisfaction in my jobs if the pay was high enough. During Marx's day, workers were paid less and conditions were much harder so I can see why he would feel the way he did. I'm just thinking modern workers have ample food and 50 inch plasmas at home so things have changed.
ReplyDeleteI also compared today's schooling to our current job market. I did not take into consideration the idea of trade schooling. With a lot of those schools, although the amount of education needed is less, there is a guaranteed job placement following completion. Things have changed and almost reverted full circle as was also discussed in the reading.
ReplyDeletePlease keep in mind that the deadline for the Monday readings, main blogs, is Saturday, midnight.
ReplyDeleteAlso, "Firewalt", if you are a student in my class, please keep in mind that you need to use your first name as a nickname or sign your posts and comments for me to grade them.
ReplyDeleteFirewalt is Bruce Beckerman. I'm sorry but I have it listed as Bruce on my edit page, but it won't allow me to change things. Also, I need a new invite so I can actually post and not just comment as an outsider. Since i don't know my origional password, I can't get in to post.
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