Why is Karl Marx's argument that capitalists increased their wealth and not their money by extracting surplus labor value from workers a correct analysis?
A) Surplus labor value is the property of the bourgeoisie.
B) Surplus labor value is the property of the proletariat.
C) Surplus labor value resulted in direct payments to the capitalists.
D) Surplus labor value is not a tangible asset but is still a gain from the work of others.

Question

Why is Karl Marx's argument that capitalists increased their wealth and not their money by extracting surplus labor value from workers a correct analysis? 
A) Surplus labor value is the property of the bourgeoisie. 
B) Surplus labor value is the property of the proletariat. 
C) Surplus labor value resulted in direct payments to the capitalists. 
D) Surplus labor value is not a tangible asset but is still a gain from the work of others.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Karl Marx's argument is based on the idea that labor is the ultimate source of value and that the value produced by workers is greater than the wages they are paid. This surplus value is not a tangible asset like money or property, but it still represents a gain from the work of others. Marx believed that capitalists could only increase their wealth by extracting surplus labor value from workers, as they did not produce anything themselves. This view is supported by the observation that the wealth of the capitalist class grows faster than the wages of the working class. Therefore, option D is the correct answer. None of the other options accurately represent Marx's analysis of the relationship between capitalists and workers.

Why Is Karl Marx's Argument That Capitalists Increased Their Wealth