This question <160|164> overall <162-5|163-3> Kapitalism: <158-1|215>. graded B+

Question 235: Is there anything wrong with private property?

[163] Kapitalism: When Marx discussed capitalistic societies, he was able to show that there are unfavorable characteristics that are associated with the ownership of private property. When property is assigned to individuals, it is owned or controlled by that person. It is their possession or item to loan out or exchange for another object which may be of value to them. A problem exists in private property if an object is used or taken by another individual without permission. If an object is stolen, the person whose has been stolen from is not as complete or is lacking an object which they might have thought made them better off. Moreover, one's interaction with another may be through their object only and not as a relationship that could have existed without the object. Marx uses the scratching of two people's backs to explain that someone will not give something up unless the other person is willing to give them something in return. This is what Marx referred to as the “subordination under a social relation.” Thus a commodity can hook its owner into thinking that the object gives them freedom or power, when really it does not.

There are some objects that should be excluded from use by others, like personal items. However, Marx shows that an exchange of an item is often necessary in order to receive an item that another individual possesses. It is through this process that property transfer becomes inequitable and takes control over its owner. Ultimately, private property owners are forced to subordinate their “wills” and place the ownership of their objects above everything else in society. Selfishness is created and the prioritizing of essential human needs are often disregarded in this sort of situation.

Hans: If other people have control over things which I need, and can withhold them from me, in order to force me to trade with them, this is a very problematic and potentially violent situation.

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