bhagirathbaria
13th May 2013, 09:58
Introduction
Dear all, this post provides an Expansion of a model of Absolute surplus value given in 'Marx's Capital' by Ben Fine & Alfredo Saad-filho[4th ed., Viva Books, India]. The given model shows the possibilities of increasing Surplus value by either:
1). Lengthening of the working day &
2). Increased intensity of work during given hours.
Kindly go though it and the subsequent explanation given below. I need some suggestions and critical commentary to improve it and make it much more realistic. Diagrammatic models are easier to understand than theory and hence my effort. I am working on converting various such issues in wholesome diagrammatic models, to make them simpler to understand for new-comers and those interested in Marx's works.
NOTE: This is not a duplication of a given model, but a modification and refinement to it. If you have any doubts or need any further clarification about this, kindly feel free to comment in this thread. Also, I've already put it on my blog, and need further comments on it, hence decided to share it here on revleft.
Explanation:
This post adds a given aspect to the Absolute Surplus Value model of Ben Fine and Alfredo Saad-Filho, given in their book "Marx's Capital". Kindly note that the author of this post is only adding a particular aspect[already mentioned in the book] but not included in the given model[diagrammatic representation].
Given model[as in the said book]
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI_O2KCZrS0/UYjR3iRlOeI/AAAAAAAAAao/6-S99RFo8Rg/s1600/ASV+model+Fine+and+Filho.PNG
Expanded Model:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6qAtCBLnAI/UYjV9s4OWgI/AAAAAAAAAbA/7F4_vxq4vGY/s1600/EXPANDED+ASV+model+Bhagirath.jpg
Explanation of the expanded model:
Lengthening the working day or increasing the intensity of work[measurable by productivity per hour per labourer] or both results in increased surplus value[s] accrued to the firm owner/organizer/capitalist. The given model[as in 'Marx's Capital'] focuses on the working day variable while mentions in theory about the possibility of increasing thesurplus value through increased intensity of work.
"There are other ways of producing absolute surplus value. For example, if work becomes more intense during a given working day more labour would be performed in the same period, and absolute surplus value would be produced. The same result can be achieved through making work continuous without breaks either of limited duration or even for rest and refreshment."[Source: Marx's Capital, 4th ed., Fine and Filho, Page no. 41, Viva Books.]
Hence, when both the possibilities are included- 1). Lengthening of the working day and 2). Increased intensity of work during given hours; 3 possible situations may arise. Note, we are not here dealing with an Equilibrium/Disequilibrium situation. This model depicts the possible changes in order to increase the production of surplus value, and hence increase the rate of exploitation.
Three possibilities:
Point E0: The given state of working day and labour intensity. Following a change in any of the two variables- working day or labour intensity, surplus value increases.
Point E1: Labour intensity remaining constant, working day lengthens. Hence the area E0E1X1X0 represents the increased exploitation of labour by capital, hence an increase in surplus value. This increase in Working time driven.
Point E2: Working day remaining constant, Labour intensity increases. Hence, increased surplus value as depicted by the area RNE0E2. Here, some further modifications and debate is required.
Point E3: Both Working day and Labour intensity increase. Hence increase in surplus value by the sum of areas RNE0E2 + E2E0E1E3 + EOE1X1XO = RE3X1X0E0N.
The point E3 is my main concern. I believe some further refinement is needed there. The area considered as increased surplus value might be greater than what is highlighted. I hope to get comments on this issue too.
Dear all, this post provides an Expansion of a model of Absolute surplus value given in 'Marx's Capital' by Ben Fine & Alfredo Saad-filho[4th ed., Viva Books, India]. The given model shows the possibilities of increasing Surplus value by either:
1). Lengthening of the working day &
2). Increased intensity of work during given hours.
Kindly go though it and the subsequent explanation given below. I need some suggestions and critical commentary to improve it and make it much more realistic. Diagrammatic models are easier to understand than theory and hence my effort. I am working on converting various such issues in wholesome diagrammatic models, to make them simpler to understand for new-comers and those interested in Marx's works.
NOTE: This is not a duplication of a given model, but a modification and refinement to it. If you have any doubts or need any further clarification about this, kindly feel free to comment in this thread. Also, I've already put it on my blog, and need further comments on it, hence decided to share it here on revleft.
Explanation:
This post adds a given aspect to the Absolute Surplus Value model of Ben Fine and Alfredo Saad-Filho, given in their book "Marx's Capital". Kindly note that the author of this post is only adding a particular aspect[already mentioned in the book] but not included in the given model[diagrammatic representation].
Given model[as in the said book]
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LI_O2KCZrS0/UYjR3iRlOeI/AAAAAAAAAao/6-S99RFo8Rg/s1600/ASV+model+Fine+and+Filho.PNG
Expanded Model:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a6qAtCBLnAI/UYjV9s4OWgI/AAAAAAAAAbA/7F4_vxq4vGY/s1600/EXPANDED+ASV+model+Bhagirath.jpg
Explanation of the expanded model:
Lengthening the working day or increasing the intensity of work[measurable by productivity per hour per labourer] or both results in increased surplus value[s] accrued to the firm owner/organizer/capitalist. The given model[as in 'Marx's Capital'] focuses on the working day variable while mentions in theory about the possibility of increasing thesurplus value through increased intensity of work.
"There are other ways of producing absolute surplus value. For example, if work becomes more intense during a given working day more labour would be performed in the same period, and absolute surplus value would be produced. The same result can be achieved through making work continuous without breaks either of limited duration or even for rest and refreshment."[Source: Marx's Capital, 4th ed., Fine and Filho, Page no. 41, Viva Books.]
Hence, when both the possibilities are included- 1). Lengthening of the working day and 2). Increased intensity of work during given hours; 3 possible situations may arise. Note, we are not here dealing with an Equilibrium/Disequilibrium situation. This model depicts the possible changes in order to increase the production of surplus value, and hence increase the rate of exploitation.
Three possibilities:
Point E0: The given state of working day and labour intensity. Following a change in any of the two variables- working day or labour intensity, surplus value increases.
Point E1: Labour intensity remaining constant, working day lengthens. Hence the area E0E1X1X0 represents the increased exploitation of labour by capital, hence an increase in surplus value. This increase in Working time driven.
Point E2: Working day remaining constant, Labour intensity increases. Hence, increased surplus value as depicted by the area RNE0E2. Here, some further modifications and debate is required.
Point E3: Both Working day and Labour intensity increase. Hence increase in surplus value by the sum of areas RNE0E2 + E2E0E1E3 + EOE1X1XO = RE3X1X0E0N.
The point E3 is my main concern. I believe some further refinement is needed there. The area considered as increased surplus value might be greater than what is highlighted. I hope to get comments on this issue too.