The cry for an equality of wages rests, therefore, upon a…
““The cry for an equality of wages rests, therefore, upon a mistake is an inane wish never to be fulfilled. It is an offspring of that false and superficial radicalism that accepts premises and tries to evade conclusions. Upon the basis of the wages system the value of labouring power is settled like that of every other commodity; and as different kinds of labouring power have different values, or require different quantities of labour for their production, they must fetch different prices in the labour market. To clamour for equal or even equitable retribution on the basis of the wages system is the same as to clamour for freedom on the basis of the slavery system. What you think just or equitable is out of the question. The question is: What is necessary and unavoidable with a given system of production? After what has been said, it will be seen that the value of labouring power is determined by the value of the necessaries required to produce, develop, maintain, and perpetuate the labouring power.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Marx argues that demanding equal wages ignores the economic reality that labor power, like any commodity, has varying values based on production costs. Equality in wages is as unrealistic as demanding freedom within slavery.
In simple terms: Equal wages are impossible under capitalism.
Key Takeaway
Accept market-driven wage differences.
Themes
economics
class
inequality
labor
capitalism
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
theoretical
political
economic
When to use this quote
- wage negotiations
- policy debates
- union organizing
- economic education
Key Concepts
commodity theory
value theory
market dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do production costs shape wage gaps?
- Can fairness exist without altering the system?
A Different Perspective
Assumes a static system; ignores power dynamics.