This question <1661|1673> overall <1661|1664> Keltose: <1539|1672>. graded A

Question 497: How long is the working-day from the point of view of the capitalist?

[1662] Keltose: The capitalist views the laborer as a purchased commodity needed for a certain amount of time. “The time during which the laborer works is time during which the capitalist consumes the labor-power he has purchased of him. If the laborer consumes his time for himself, he robs the capitalist” (928, pg. 2005fa.pdf).

So, to not get ‘robbed’ the capitalist keeps the laborer busy working, and trying to get the most value necessary out of him. Marx states, that like all buyers, the capitalist is trying to get the most value out of what he has purchased (pg. 928,2005fa.pdf). Since the worker doesn't have full control over his hours-worked, once again the capitalist has the advantage, and thus determines the wage which the laborer agrees to. However, the wages and labor-value are not in proportion. Nevertheless, “capital is dead labor”, so the capitalist needs the laborer for minimum necessary time during that day. The time needed for the capitalist to turn a profit regarding their means of production.

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