| This question <1565|1583> overall <1567|1570> SueGirl: <1266|1656>. graded A |
| Question 612: The capitalist depends on the worker for profit, and the worker depends on the capitalist for survival. Does this mean that workers and capitalists have the same interests? |
| [1568] SueGirl: Legolas' comments [1565] regarding the interests of the capitalist and the workers seemed to more clearly state what Marx was attempting to explain than Phatteus' answer [1538]. Legolas included information about the means of production which is the pawn in the hand of the capitalist in getting control over the workers. Owning the means of production gives the capitalist the ability to hire workers and the illusion of doing a favor for the workers who could not acquire the means of production by themselves. Although this provides the worker with the means to earn money for necessities, this does not fulfill the interests of the worker completely. The worker also has an innate interest in performing a work which is satisfying and stimulating - one which flows from his own desires. Instead, he is required to perform a job that is alien to his own nature as a human being and he experiences what Marx calls the alienation of labor. |
| In other words, the worker's interests include: |
| 1.) Earning enough money for necessities and hopefully enough money to get ahead someday. |
| 2.) Performing a job that is satisfying and stimulating - one which he is interested in. |
| 3.) The feeling of self-worth which comes from a job well done. |
| 4.) Security - freedom from doubt, anxiety or fear about his job. The confidence that he will not lose his job. |
| 5.) Respect from his superiors and fellow workers. |
| 6.) Rewards for his hard work. |
| 7.) To do well at what he does. |
| 8.) To have time and energy for life outside of work. |
| The capitalist's interests include: |
| 1.) (As Legolas stated) Accumulation of wealth. |
| 2.) To beat competition in their industry. |
| 3.) To hire quality workers for as little as possible. |
| 4.) To comply with labor, safety and health laws in order to not receive fines. |
| 5.) To minimize expenses. |
| 6.) To maximize labor and productivity. |
| 7.) Loyalty from workers. |
| 8.) Never having to be in the position of the worker. |
| The difference between the interests of the capitalists and those of the worker, is that many of the capitalist's interests compromise the interests of the worker. For instance, if the capitalist desires to hire workers for as little as possible, the worker may never have enough money for necessities. If the capitalist wants to maximize labor and productivity, he may sacrifice the time and energy the worker has outside of work. Maximizing productivity may also stop the worker from having a job that is satisfying and stimulating. |
| For example, my husband worked at Microsoft for years as a computer programmer. In order to maximize productivity, Microsoft split his job into many different pieces. Instead of being able to program software (like he used to do) they divided the labor so that all he was in charge of was testing a small piece of the software every day. [Imagine if a surgeon was only allowed to cut open the skin of each patient and not operate inside of them. It would be greatly unfulfilling.] Anyway, it became so monotonous and unstimulating that my husband accepted a position with another smaller company that would allow him to complete a project from start to finish. |
| The interests of the capitalist and the worker are not the same. All of the capitalist's interests treat the worker as a commodity. The worker's interests, however, all focus on being treated like a human being. |
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