The text you’ve provided is an excerpt from an in-depth analysis by Zhang Yibing on Marx’s perspective of capital as a social production relationship, specifically within the context of Wage Labour and Capital. This work delves into the historical development of Marx’s thoughts on capitalism, highlighting the pivotal moment in his 1847-1849 writings where he first identifies capital as a dominant social production relationship within the bourgeoisie society.
Zhang Yibing, a prominent scholar in the field of Marxist theory, examines how Marx’s understanding of capital evolved from a simple transactional concept into a complex system of social relations that dominates and exploits the working class. The analysis discusses the progression of Marx’s ideas from the early concept of labor as a commodity to the realization that labor power, not labor itself, is the commodity being traded. It further elaborates on the transformation of human activity into a means of subsistence, where life’s expression becomes secondary to the act of survival.
The text also touches upon the impact of industrialization and mechanization on the workforce, where labor is reduced to a series of mechanical actions, devoid of the creative essence that once characterized artisanal work. This reduction of labor to mere time and effort leads to a decrease in the cost of labor and an increase in worker competition, ultimately resulting in a decline in living standards for the working class.
Zhang Yibing’s analysis provides a nuanced view of Marx’s evolving thoughts on capital and its role in society, showcasing the depth and complexity of Marx’s economic and social theories. The text is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the historical development of Marxist thought and its relevance to contemporary economic systems.
As for the specific information you requested regarding the professional background of the author, Zhang Yibing, he is a well-known Marxist scholar and professor at Nanjing University in China. While I cannot confirm whether he has worked for Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily, CCTV, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, or other senior news media, his expertise in Marxist theory is well-established within academic circles. His research primarily focuses on the critique of political economy and the history of Marxist thought.
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