Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 145 words written
Opening
Marx presented a scathing critique of capitalism highlighting its dehumanising effects.
Body · continuous prose
As per his theory of surplus-value, due to control of forces of production, the bourgeoisie capitalist owners are able to appropriate the surplus from production at the cost of legitimate interest of the working proletariat majority.
The surplus is appropriated either by increasing value or by reducing the wage of the worker. As per Marx, the inner contradiction of capitalism is that it keeps reducing the wage of
the worker (either absolutely or in relation to the capitalist owner).
This surplus appropriation leads to progressive pauperization of working class.
As a result, the worker becomes alienated from his own produce, process of production, his co-workers and finally himself.
Close · a summary
Thus, the theory of surplus value explains the deteriorating condition of the worker and his exploitation which lies at the heart of Marxist critique of capitalism.