The graphic M-C-M depicts how capitalists preserve and grow their wealth through a cycle of investment and profit production. The capitalist begins by using M (money) to purchase C (commodities), which may include labor, raw materials, and production-related instruments. After then, products or services are made using the commodities. M (more money) is the result of the items being sold for money than the capitalist initially invested after they are made. By reinvesting profit from the sale, the capitalist can continue the cycle and eventually increase their wealth. By paying workers less than the value they produce and keeping the difference as surplus value that is reinvested to increase wealth, capitalists are able to earn profit.

The Meaning Of Production And Labor

Labor is the work that people undertake to create commodities and Services, whereas the means of production are the resources such as land, factories, equipment etc. that are employed to do so. For instance, in order to run machinery and put together goods, a factory meaning of production which needs manpower.

Meaning Of Value

Value is the worth of anything, as defined by how much people are prepared to pay for it or how much it provides to society. Scarcity, utility, and demand are frequently what determine the worth of an item. Gold, for example, is a major value because it is rare, long lasting and has numerous applications.

Labor Vs. Labor Power

Labor vs Labor Power describes the actual work being done, whereas labor power describes a worker’s capacity or ability to carry out job. while labor is the actual act of completing work, labor power is the potential of a work to perform work.

Surplus Value

Surplus value is defined as the difference between what workers are paid and the value they produce. It is relevant to the study of social classes because it explains how wealth is generated in capitalism system, which frequently benefit owners more then workers. For example, if a workers produces 400 in items in a day but is paid 200, and the 200 difference represents surplus value that the company receives.

What is the distinction that Reading 4.3 makes between owners and employees? Give an example of each.

The primary distinction between owners and employees is that owner generate their wealth through assets, investments, and earnings. They live off the profits from their properties, stocks, and other investments. Employees, on the other hand, rely on the salaries or wages they earn from their jobs. For example, a business owner who owns many real estate holding or a tech startup owner gains from the company’s profits, whereas an employee may work as a software developer or manager and earn a wage for their services.

How do you understand the quote by Adam Smith on pg. 28? What is it saying about labor?

Adam Smith’s remake emphasizes labor as the fundamental measure of the value of products or Services. It claims that money is merely a symbolic measure of value, and that the true standard by which things are valued is the work that individuals do. In other words, labor provides the underlying value of items, while money is only a vehicle to quantify that labor. This emphasizes the role of the working class in creating value beyond the simple exchange of money.

What are your thoughts on the main argument of Reading 4.4 that class is NOT an identity?

According to my interpretation, this argument suggests that a persons socioeconomic status shouldn’t be considered an integral component of who they are. It is not a term that defines someone. Social class is more concerned with societal relationship and role than with a fixed identity. Class can shift depending on things such as income, employment, and education. People should not feel confined in their class because of their upbringing or socioeconomic standing, as they have the ability to change their circumstances.

How do you understand the argument Reading 4.4. makes when stating that “class structures are built around a close form of dependency”? What is this close form of dependency, and can you think of an example?

The “close form of dependency” argument implies a connection between the labor class and the upper class. Capitalists rely on workers to generate goods and services, and workers rely on capitalists for employment and income. In a firm, for instance, the owner relies on workers to produce or market goods, while workers rely on the owner to supply jobs and pay. The class system is maintained by the mutual reliance, in which each side depends on the other to hold onto its position.

Do you notice any similarities in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2? Do you notice any differences in the way these two readings DIFFERENTIATE between social classes?

The primary distinction between the reading is how they define and characterize social status. Reading 4.1 discusses how many characteristics, like as money, education, occupation, and wealth, influence social class, resulting in a broader and more flexible classification system. This allows for five separate social classes, albeit the lines between them can be blurred, and people may not always agree on their class status. The criteria for class determination vary depending on perspective and circumstances, and people may perceive themselves differently based on personal ideals or external evaluation. Section 4.3, on the other hand, streamlines the framework by focusing on two fundamental classes: ownership and labor.

Pick the station closest to where you live. On the M train at Fresh Pond Road, using the concepts from Reading 4.1, what social class tends to live in your neighborhood?

middle class and working class.

Are you surprised (or not) by the answer?

No I’m not surprised at all.

Do you feel it is an accurate representation of the people living in your neighborhood?

Yes

Based on Reading 4.2, do you notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC?

Yes, there Is a distinct pattern of social class division in NYC. The city is divided into several neighborhoods based on income levels, education, and resources availability. Wealthier regions, such as Manhattans upper east side or Tribeca, offer luxury real estate, high-end amenities, and access to premium education and healthcare. Lower-income communities, typically located in the outer boroughs such as the bronx and sections of Brooklyn, may have less resources, lower-paying occupations, and limited access to top-tier services. Deep social class disparities exist in New York City, where the gap between the rich and poor is frequently evident in inhabitants day-to-day lives. This is highlighted by the high cost of living and the sharp contrast between affluent and lower-income neighborhoods.

1 . A Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) is ant institution or system that use direct control, coercion, or force to uphold social order. These are basically organization that are involved in the actual physical enforcement of laws and regulation, such as the police, the military, courts, and prison. These institutions use direct physical force to repress people or organization who question the existing quo, Althusser refers to it as “repressive.” This term in this contact refers to their function of physically restricting or dominating individuals, typically by violence, incarceration, or punishment. The major purpose is to keep things in order by using force instead of persuasion. For instance, the military or police may use physical force to disperse a demonstration or detain someone for noncompliance.

2 . The system that use more subdued, convincing techniques to uphold the prevailing worldview in society are know as ideological state apparatuses, or ISAs. Schools, places of worship, the media, family units, and cultural standards are a few examples. In order for people to assimilate and embrace the prevailing ideology without necessarily requiring direct coercion, the ISA works to mold their ideas, values, and beliefs. By developing and propagating ideas that present the current social order as inevitable or natural, ISA operate. They influence how we see the world and uphold existing power dynamics. Even thought they don’t use force, they have a significant impact on making sure that people follow social norms and expectations.

A great example would be the the educational system, for instance, teachers students about ethics, history, and values that frequently coincide with the objectives of the state or a dominating group.

3 . Distinguishing Repressive and ideological State Apparatuses: The primary distinction between RSAs and ISAs is how they uphold power. Police, military, and prisons are examples of RSAs that use force and physical authority to enforce conformity, whereas ISAs use social institution and ideological manipulation to influence peoples views, values and actions

An overview of the distinction would be RSAs are forced-based, direct physical means of control. ISAs are idea based, indirect, and persuade mens of control. An example that demonstrates the distinction is;

A protester get arrested by the police for interfering with a demonstration (RSA). The public is gently persuaded that protests of the nature are hazardous or disloyal by the medias portrayed of the demonstrators as a threat to social order (ISA).

4 . An illustration of ideology would be if you were watching a luxury vehicle advertisement. The car is portrayed in the advertisement as a symbol of achievement , prestige, and ambition in addition to being a mode of mobility. The fundamental idea is that having an automobile like that will improve your social standing and show off your accomplishments.

Explanation: Since it is influencing people’s aspiration and views about success and prestige rather than coercing them into purchasing the car, this is an illustration of an ideological state apparatus at action. It encourages people to adopt the consumerism mentality and the notion that success in life is directly related to material prosperity.

What is ideology?

A collection of concepts, convictions, and principles that shape a person’s or a group’s perspective on the world is called an ideology. It influences how they think about economic, politics, society, and even culture. In essence, an ideology gives people a prism through which to view the world and make choices, frequently based on what they think is best for themselves or society. Ideologies can rang rang from more general worldviews like individualism or collectivism to political system like liberalism or conservatism.

Example of Ideology

A libertarian’s political beliefs are an example of ideology. Libertarians value individual freedom above everything else and want little government involvement in people’s lives. They fight for deregulation, personal autonomy, and reduced taxes as a result of this ideology, which also affects their views on social policies, government programs, and taxes.

In my opinion, ideology serves as a framework for navigating intricate political, Social, and economic structures. It symbolizes a group of peoples ideas and is not only about personal preferences. Ideologies frequently get so embedded in peoples minds that they may not even be aware of it. In politics, for example, proponents of socialism frequently support government involvement in the economy through programs like free public education and universal healthcare, whereas proponents of capitalism typically place more emphasis on free markets and competition. Fundamental beliefs about society, human nature, and the kind of future people wish to build form the foundation of these ideologies. Essentially, ideology effects social norms and group Behaviors.

Difference between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics

• Conservative Ideology-

Conservative ideology typically places a strong emphasis on traditional values, individual responsibility, and limited government. Conservatives contend that the government shouldn’t meddle too much in the economy or in peoples private lives and that people should be allowed to thrive or fail on their own. Conservative ideology places a strong emphasis on liberty, tradition, and independence. Conservation frequently support a free-market economy, lower taxes, and less government expenditure because they think these policies promote completion and individual success.

• Liberal ideology

Liberal ideology emphasized how crucial government action is to building a more just society. According to liberals, the government ought to take proactive steps to lessen inequality and safeguard marginalized groups. Justice, equality, and government accountability are frequently liberals central ideas. Liberals typically advocate for measure like progressive taxation, universal healthcare, and environment protections, claiming that these are essential to guaranteeing equality and opportunity for all.

Ex.

Conservatives, for instance, usually support a free-market strategy in the healthcare industry, where competition and private enterprises can reduce costs. However, liberals may support government-funded healthcare such as medicare, to guarantee that everyone, regardless of financial situation, has access to healthcare.

The main point of contention is whether the government or individuals should be more in charge of handing societal problems; liberals want a more active role for the government in resolving societal difficulties, while conservatives tend to favor individual responsibility.

Althusser’s Ideology

Althusser, is a set of ideas that influences how people view the world and their role in it. He contends that ideology is a force that shapes our interactions and conduct, frequently without our awareness, and it more than just a collection of ideas. It works by teaching people to accept the roles that society expects them to play through “ideological state apparatuses,” such as the media, church, and schools. Therefore, ideology is a framework that is engrained in people from an early age, directing their throughs and behaviors in accordance with the demands of the dominant social order, rather than something that they actively choose.

Ex.

Althusser’s theory is demonstrated by the way that schools instill in their students not just academic knowledge but also social values such as the value of diligence and adherence to norms. Without the students challenging the system, this influences their future social positions and professional choices by reinforcing ideas such as meritocracy and individuality. Althusser’s idea demonstrates the profound ways in which ideology molds us, frequently invisible to the naked eye, directing our attitudes and behavior to conform to social norms.