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[100] Reidar: Abstract labor In considering two types of labor, “useful labor” and abstract labor,
Marx defines useful labor as the act of manipulating an object or some
thing to create a use which fulfills a perceived societal need. Abstract
labor is defined as the energy, muscle, mind, and brain usage of the
individual. Marx stated that, “useful labor...is therefore a necessary
condition, independent of all forms of society.” Useful labor was in
existence before any society gave form to demand for commodities.
Abstract labor is the only labor significant to societies because
regardless of what use is given to an object to make it a commodity, only
abstract labor, or the mental and physical usage of an individual's
abilities are left remaining in the commodity. The commoditie's value is
the percieved value which is held by a society, i.e., its “ghostlike
parallel existence.” |
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