SHORT READING GUIDE · Surplus Value and Exploitation
01 / The concept
Marx distinguishes the labour-power workers sell from the value they can create while working. Surplus value is the portion of new value exceeding the value of labour-power that is appropriated by owners of capital.
02 / How to read
In this theory, exploitation concerns more than employers breaking contracts or paying unusually low wages. It describes a production relationship that can operate even when a wage contract is honoured.
03 / Reading task
Open the source below. Note one main argument, one piece of evidence or example, and one unanswered question. This guide is original editorial writing, rather than a quotation or translation of the source text.
Original and further reading ↗
Discuss together
- Why does an increase in the value workers produce not necessarily bring an equivalent increase in wages?
- What evidence could test the explanation offered in this reading?