Productive and unproductive labor: a comment
Article Abstract:
A distinction should be made between productive and unproductive labor. In the absence of such a distinction, the issue can not be viewed from a Marxist perspective without converting into another form of neoclassical economics. An in-depth assessment of productive and unproductive labor will only be successful if it is not readily assumed that all labor within the capitalist production relation are productive of value. It is essential to note that the metaphysical separation of the moment of exchange from the moment of production is crucial in explaining the link between labor and value or surplus labor and surplus value.
Publication Name: Review of Radical Political Economics
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 0486-6134
Year: 1999
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Productive-unproductive labor: rest in peace
Article Abstract:
Attempts have been made to establish the theoretical and empirical significance of the distinction between productive and unproductive labor. Conventional and Marxian profits are said to vary depending on the ratio of productive to unproductive wages. However, analysis shows that the conventional rate of profit is of importance, not the Marxian version. Several reasons may be given on why profits rise or fall, but the proportion of productive and unproductive workers does not affect such a rise or fall.
Publication Name: Review of Radical Political Economics
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 0486-6134
Year: 1997
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Unproductive activity and stagnation: a neo-Marxian model
Article Abstract:
A simple two-sector neo-Marxian model of accumulation and distribution based on the work of Fred Moseley and Edward N. Wolff can explain the economic stagnation caused by unproductive activity. The stagnation hypothesis is shown through the interaction of the unproductive and productive sectors of the economy. An increase in unproductive activity can lead to economic stagnation because it reduces the surplus available for accumulation and investment.
Publication Name: Review of Radical Political Economics
Subject: Political science
ISSN: 0486-6134
Year: 1991
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