Mechanization In Braverman's 'Labor And Monopoly Capital'

512 Words3 Pages
Throughout the history of capitalism, a central motif has been the progressive cheapening of the labor process as it breaks further into its components. These developments have gone hand in hand with the spread of technology, as machines can more efficiently transform capital into product without the barrier of human limitations. Mechanization can be seen as the next logical step in the evolution of the division of labor, as capitalists move from cheapening labor to replacing it all together. The displacement of workers has great political implications, as insecurity creates great appeal for populist politics. Braverman’s piece Labor and Monopoly Capital centers around the idea of the division of labor. He begins by introducing the basic