Question 1

Consider these facts:&#10;&#8226; Foxconn is the largest private employer in China (with 1.4 million employees) and is the world's largest outsourced manufacturer - it is, for example, the main supplier of electronic parts to Apple for its iPods and iPhones.&#10;&#8226; In China, it costs Apple a few dollars to have an iPod assembled, which is then sold for $299 across world markets.&#10;&#8226; Many of Foxconn's workers have had work schedules that approach 100 hours per week though this is expected to change as a result of China recently passing a law limiting the work week to 49 hours. Many workers want to work at least 60 hours per week in order, they say, to support their families.&#10;&#8226; Wages are very low (though they are expected to increase to compensate workers for a reduced work schedule), and workers live in large dormitories on factory campuses with few amenities and infrastructural problems (e.g., faulty electrical wiring, lack of running water); many of the workers are migrants from distant rural areas in China.&#10;&#8226; Customers line up outside Apple stores in cities in the US, China, and elsewhere when a new Apple product is being launched for sale; indeed, in one Chinese city, Apple had to close one of its stores on the day of the release of the iPhone 5 in order to constrain the hordes of potential customers.&#10;&#10;What would Marx make of all of this? What do these facts suggest about the structure, expansion, and reproduction of capitalism? In your essay, draw in detail on core ideas in Marx's analysis of capitalism.

Accepted Answer

Karl Marx would likely have a lot to say about the situation at Foxconn and the broader implications for the structure, expansion, and reproduction of capitalism. Marx's analysis of capitalism focused on the exploitation of labor, the alienation of workers, and the inherent contradictions within the capitalist system.

First and foremost, Marx would undoubtedly highlight the extreme exploitation of labor at Foxconn. The fact that workers are expected to work long hours, often approaching 100 hours per week, for very low wages is a clear example of the exploitation of labor for the profit of the capitalist class. Marx would argue that this is a fundamental feature of capitalism, where the capitalist class extracts surplus value from the labor of workers in order to accumulate wealth.

The living and working conditions at Foxconn would also be of great concern to Marx. The fact that workers live in large dormitories with few amenities and infrastructural problems speaks to the alienation of workers from the products of their labor and from their own humanity. Marx would argue that under capitalism, workers are reduced to mere commodities, forced to sell their labor power in order to survive, and are deprived of the ability to truly fulfill their human potential.

Furthermore, Marx would likely point to the global nature of the capitalist system as evidenced by the relationship between Foxconn, Apple, and the global market. The fact that Apple can have its products assembled in China for a few dollars and then sell them for hundreds of dollars across world markets speaks to the global expansion and reproduction of capitalism. Marx would argue that this global system of production and exchange serves to further concentrate wealth and power in the hands of the capitalist class, while exploiting and impoverishing workers around the world.

In conclusion, Marx would see the situation at Foxconn as a stark example of the inherent contradictions and injustices within the capitalist system. The extreme exploitation of labor, the alienation of workers, and the global nature of capitalist production and exchange all point to the fundamental flaws and inequalities of capitalism. Marx would likely argue that these facts suggest the need for a radical transformation of the economic and social structure in order to create a more just and equitable society.

Question 2

A focus on economic inequality permeates the writings of Karl Marx.
(a) Discuss Marx's conceptualization of property relations and their implications for the reproduction of economic and social inequality.
(b) How does the ideology of consumption militate against radical social change in contemporary times?

Accepted Answer

(a) Karl Marx's conceptualization of property relations is central to his analysis of economic and social inequality. Marx argued that the capitalist mode of production is based on the private ownership of the means of production, such as land, factories, and machinery, by a small capitalist class. This ownership allows the capitalists to exploit the labor of the working class, who do not own the means of production and must sell their labor power in order to survive. This unequal distribution of property leads to the reproduction of economic and social inequality, as the capitalists accumulate wealth and power at the expense of the working class.

Marx also highlighted the role of property relations in shaping social relations and ideology. He argued that the capitalist mode of production creates a system of alienation, where workers are estranged from the products of their labor and from their own human potential. This alienation perpetuates economic and social inequality by dehumanizing the working class and reinforcing the power of the capitalist class.

(b) The ideology of consumption militates against radical social change in contemporary times by promoting individualism and consumerism. In capitalist societies, the pursuit of material wealth and consumption is often glorified as a means of achieving happiness and fulfillment. This ideology encourages people to focus on their own individual desires and aspirations, rather than on collective action and social change.

Furthermore, the emphasis on consumption as a source of identity and status can create divisions within society, as people compete to display their wealth and possessions. This individualistic mindset can undermine solidarity and collective action, making it difficult to mobilize for radical social change.

Additionally, the consumerist ideology is often perpetuated by the capitalist class through advertising and media, which promote the idea that happiness and fulfillment can be found through the acquisition of material goods. This serves to distract people from the underlying economic and social inequalities that perpetuate the capitalist system.

In conclusion, Marx's conceptualization of property relations and the ideology of consumption both play a significant role in perpetuating economic and social inequality. By understanding and challenging these dynamics, it is possible to work towards a more equitable and just society.

Question 3

According to The Economist, "Marxist thinking retains great influence far beyond the dwindling number who proclaim themselves to be Marxists" (December 21, 2002, 19). In your opinion, what 3 theoretical constructs or assumptions from Marxist theory are most helpful in contributing to the enduring relevance of Marx's intellectual legacy to the understanding of contemporary capitalism Give reasons for your choice of constructs, and illustrate their significance using empirical examples from contemporary society.

Accepted Answer

The three theoretical constructs or assumptions from Marxist theory that are most helpful in contributing to the enduring relevance of Marx's intellectual legacy to the understanding of contemporary capitalism are the concept of class struggle, the theory of surplus value, and the idea of alienation.

Firstly, the concept of class struggle is still relevant in contemporary society as it helps to explain the ongoing conflicts and tensions between different social classes. In Marxist theory, the bourgeoisie (the ruling class) and the proletariat (the working class) are in constant struggle over the distribution of wealth and power. This can be seen in contemporary society through the growing income inequality, with the wealthy elite accumulating more and more wealth while the working class struggles to make ends meet. For example, the Occupy Wall Street movement in 2011 highlighted the dissatisfaction of the working class with the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of the few.

Secondly, the theory of surplus value remains relevant as it sheds light on the exploitation of labor in capitalist societies. According to Marx, the capitalist class extracts surplus value from the labor of the working class, leading to the accumulation of wealth for the capitalists at the expense of the workers. This can be observed in contemporary society through the prevalence of low-wage labor and the outsourcing of jobs to countries with lower labor costs. For instance, multinational corporations often exploit cheap labor in developing countries to maximize their profits, leading to poor working conditions and low wages for workers.

Lastly, the idea of alienation is still significant in understanding the impact of capitalism on individuals. Marx argued that under capitalism, workers become alienated from their labor, the products of their labor, and even from themselves. This can be seen in contemporary society through the rise of mental health issues and the feeling of disconnection and disillusionment among workers. For example, the gig economy has led to a rise in precarious and unstable employment, leaving workers feeling disconnected from their work and lacking a sense of fulfillment.

In conclusion, the enduring relevance of Marx's intellectual legacy in understanding contemporary capitalism can be attributed to the continued relevance of the concepts of class struggle, surplus value, and alienation. These theoretical constructs help to explain the ongoing social and economic inequalities, exploitation of labor, and the impact of capitalism on individuals in today's society.

Question 4

Despite high levels of economic inequality in many western countries (including the US and the UK), most people in these (and in many other) countries strongly favor capitalism and dismiss its alternatives&#9;Discuss the theoretical insights from Marx that would explain this state of affairs&#9;What, would Marx argue, needs to occur for people to lean toward adopting a more negative view of capitalism?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Despite high levels of economic inequality in...

Question 5

Explain the meaning/significance of 6 of the following 7 concepts/ideas/quotes. Please write 2 or 3 sentences per question.
Each short answer is worth 6 points for a total of 36 points.*

-Alienation in the production process

Accepted Answer