'Abstract' and 'Concrete' Labour

[dksu]

What's the difference and what are the implications? (more the implications part ;o)

[INDK]

The distinction is introduced in the very first chapter of Das Kapital:


"On the one hand all labour is, speaking physiologically, an expenditure of human labour power, and in its character of identical abstract human labour, it creates and forms the value of commodities. On the other hand, all labour is the expenditure of human labour power in a special form and with a definite aim, and in this, its character of concrete useful labour, it produces use values."

This is the basic implication and distinction. Also, a sticky in the Theory forum of this board is entitled "Marx's Kapital for Beginners" in which you will find an excellent introductory chapter on abstract and concrete labour.