Overview
This lecture explains Marx’s concept of commodity fetishism, focusing on how commodities in capitalist society obscure the social relations and labor behind their production.
Meaning of Fetishism
- Marx uses "fetishism" to describe objects thought to possess mysterious powers, not in a sexual sense.
- The term originally referred to inanimate objects believed to have supernatural abilities in some cultures.
- Marx applies this to commodities, which appear ordinary but seem to possess the power to shape social relations.
Dual Nature of Commodities
- Commodities have a physical aspect (e.g., a shirt made of specific materials).
- Commodities also have a social aspect, embodying the labor and relationships involved in their production.
Commodity Fetishism Explained
- In capitalism, social relations are expressed through interactions between things (commodities), not people.
- The process of labor is hidden; buyers rarely know who produced the goods they purchase.
- Private labor only becomes "social" when products are exchanged in the market.
Effects of Commodity Fetishism
- Commodity fetishism conceals the origins and conditions of labor behind goods.
- Commodities mask the social and exploitative circumstances of their production.
- As a result, consumers remain unaware of working conditions, wages, and the identities of producers.
Summary of Key Points
- Fetishism here refers to commodities as more than physical objects; they generate and mask social relations.
- In capitalism, interactions are between commodities, not individuals.
- Commodity fetishism obscures the reality of private labor, making social relations appear as relations between things.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Commodity Fetishism — The process by which social relationships of production are expressed as relationships between commodities.
- Fetishism (Marxist) — The attribution of social power to inanimate objects (commodities) rather than to human labor.
- Private Labor — Work done individually or privately, only becoming "social" when exchanged.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on the origins and labor behind everyday commodities.
- Consider further readings or videos on Marxist theory for deeper understanding.