SOC102H1 Chapter 9: Classes and Workplaces
Document Summary
Capitalist society is built on conflict between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, or the means of production and the workers. The two classes are permanently in conflict, but are interdependent: one can only gain at the other"s expense. The bourgeoisie exploit the proletariat, who lack the necessary capital to own means of production and must exchange labour for wages. The bourgeoisie maximize profit by keeping prices high and expenses low (wages/conditions suffer) Capitalism creates the conditions that promote revolutionary upheaval by the proletariat the two central properties of capitalism are exploitation and alienation. Exploitation the worker is paid less than the price of the the product, such that the capitalist profits from their labour. Alienation the labour process deprives workers of their ownership of the products while distancing them from the productive process, themselves, and others. Erik olin wright"s three principles of capitalist exploitation. Two reasons why marx"s portrayal is too simples.
