Commodity fetishism, according to Marx, does not come from a false understanding regarding the inherent worth of commodities as a result of their physical characteristics, but is rather an ideology that manifests itself in human relationships throughout the process of exchange. This ideology includes placing significance into things, rather than people. This constitutes a type of fetishism in which objects are able carry a significant social impact (Discussion Week 4). Similar to religion, it serves as a basis for the actions of the followers. In the context of religion, the followers of a faith may often base their actions and beliefs on something that is beyond their human selves. In terms of commodity fetishism, one who “worships” commodities …show more content…
We may understand alienation as process through which an individual subjects himself to activities that do not align with his morals and goals (Office Hours). If someone finds it necessary to work for unnecessary things (the newest iPhone, for example), then he becomes especially vulnerable to this ideology. The “fetishism” of these commodities, and the process of production and exchange, is tied to the exchange value that a commodity posses. Marx states that “the commodity form and the value relation of the products of labor within which it appears, have … no connection with the physical nature of the commodity and the material relations arising out of this. it is nothing but the definite social relation between men which assumes here … the fantastic form of a relation between things” (164). As such, the exchangeability of a product is not linked to its inherent or intrinsic value. The inherent value of a product refers to its deemed worth for the product’s natural characteristics. This includes, for example, the notion that the chemical and atomic makeup of gold dictates the exchange value of the product. Although the value of the product is not determined solely or largely by its material form, gold’s exchange value may potentially lessen if it were to release awful odors due to a certain chemical reaction. While we cannot neglect that the material characteristics may contribute to the exchange value, we also cannot ascertain that the commodity form is directly connected to its material form (A.J. Julius, Lecture). A system such as capitalism, which values production and exchange, bonds its members to this cyclic process by rewarding those who fully participate in