The sources offer a multifaceted critique of how capitalism generates economic inequality, focusing on its inherent logic of abstraction, exploitation, and the continuous subordination of labour to the demands of capital accumulation.
- Primitive Accumulation and the Separation of Producers: The historical process of primitive accumulation, as discussed in the sources, plays a crucial role in establishing the foundations for capitalist inequality. This violent and often bloody process involves separating producers from their means of production – land, tools, and resources – forcing them to sell their labour power for survival. This separation creates a fundamental divide between those who own the means of production and those who must work for them, setting the stage for ongoing exploitation and wealth concentration.
- Wage Labour and the Extraction of Surplus Value: Capitalism's reliance on wage labour as a commodity is identified as a key driver of inequality. Workers are paid a wage that represents the value of their labour power, but the capitalists aim to extract as much surplus value as possible from their work. This surplus value, the difference between the value created by labour and the wages paid, forms the basis of capitalist profit and fuels the accumulation of wealth in the hands of the owning class.
- Market Mechanisms and the Concentration of Capital: The sources critique the role of market mechanisms in exacerbating inequality. They argue that the "endless pursuit of profits" inherent in capitalism empowers private ownership and leads to the concentration of wealth in the hands of the ruling class. This concentration is further amplified by the dynamics of uneven development, where capital investment and technological advancements are concentrated in specific regions, leaving others underdeveloped and dependent.
- The Fetishism of Commodities and the Illusion of Freedom: The sources highlight the role of fetishism in obscuring the exploitative nature of capitalism and perpetuating inequality. The focus on exchange value, mediated by money, masks the social relations of production and the exploitation of labour. This illusion of freedom, where individuals appear to engage in voluntary transactions, disguises the power imbalances inherent in the system and the systemic constraints that limit workers' choices.
- The Interplay of Race, Class, and Gender: The sources emphasize that economic inequality under capitalism intersects with other forms of oppression, particularly racism and sexism. Historically, capitalism has relied on the exploitation of marginalized groups – through slavery, colonialism, and ongoing systemic discrimination – to accumulate wealth and maintain power. These intersecting forms of oppression compound the effects of economic exploitation, creating layers of disadvantage and reinforcing existing hierarchies.
- The Perpetuation of Inequality Through Ideology and Culture: The sources argue that capitalism perpetuates inequality not only through its economic structures but also through its dominant ideology and culture. Consumerism, individualism, and the relentless pursuit of material wealth are ingrained in capitalist societies, obscuring the systemic roots of inequality and fostering a sense of competition and scarcity. This ideological framework serves to legitimize the existing order and discourage collective action for social change.