Surplus Value Can Be Defined As The Marxian Economic Concept ✓ Solved

Surplus value can be defined as the Marxian economic concept used in explaining the instability experienced in the capitalist system. Human labor is the primary source of economic value. Capitalists pay workers less than the real value of the labor provided, thereby creating surplus value. The goal of capitalists is to create wealth and achieve competitive advantages in the market. By keeping labor costs low, they can reduce production costs and increase profits.

For example, capitalists may adopt cost leadership strategies that require lower production costs, thereby exploiting workers to maximize surplus value. The extraction of surplus value occurs through the underpayment of labor, resulting in low wages. It can be concluded that capitalists extract surplus value by exploiting their workforce (Harvey, 2008). This manifests in wages that fall below market standards, allowing capitalists to realize surplus value through reduced labor costs.

Urban areas are experiencing radical changes, leading to transformations in lifestyles that distract from civic engagement. The quality of life in urban environments is quantifiable and influenced by spending ability and disposable income. The urban political economy is driven by knowledge, cultural industries, consumerism, and tourism. Contemporary urban experiences are influenced by cultural forms and consumer habits. The freedom of choice in cities is determined by purchasing power, which can distract from civic life, where everything is commodified.

Harvey discusses the concept of "pacification by cappuccino" to explain changes occurring in urban settings (Harvey, 2008). New lifestyles are emerging from the pursuit of urban dreams, fostering possessive individualism while sidelining collective action. Urbanization is associated with an intensified capitalist spirit, as individuals strive for personal economic benefits, often at the detriment of collective societal well-being. In this context, acknowledging human rights is essential for developing an urban environment centered on equality and human needs.

Redesigning cities should consider the well-being of residents by regulating urban economic activities. Cities could incorporate ethical and moral elements to ensure affordable living for urban dwellers. It is crucial to prevent the commodification of life, enabling citizens to access affordable services and products. The right to the city means improving the lives of all citizens, ensuring that urban environments cater to their needs. Additionally, considering citizen interests is vital for affirming their rights to the city.

Paper For Above Instructions

The rise of civil unrest and protests in urban spaces has become a topic of critical importance in recent years. One notable example is the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which originated in response to the societal issues surrounding systemic racism and police violence against African Americans. This paper will examine the Black Lives Matter protests, their significance, and how they resonate with David Harvey's ideas on the "Right to the City."

The BLM movement began in 2013 after the acquittal of George Zimmerman in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. It gained national attention following the deaths of several unarmed African Americans, including Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, and Eric Garner in New York City. In 2020, the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer ignited widespread protests across the globe, with people marching to demand justice and an end to systemic racism.

The BLM protests were strategically situated in urban areas, often in front of prominent government buildings, city squares, or central locations, making them not only visible but also symbolically significant. For example, the protests held in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators gathered in front of the White House, emphasized the movement's demand for accountability and reform from the government itself. The symbolic nature of these locations helped transmit a powerful message to the world about the need for systemic change.

Harvey’s analysis of the right to the city critiques how urban spaces often reflect social inequalities and power dynamics. In his essay, he argues that true equality, or democracy, manifests as the public's ability to shape cities according to their needs. This notion can be directly correlated with BLM, as protesters are not only advocating for justice for individuals but also demanding broader changes in how cities operate—essentially claiming their right to shape their own urban environments (Harvey, 2008, p. 23).

Media played a crucial role during the BLM protests. Coverage of these protests has shifted public perception and shed light on the injustices faced by marginalized communities. Social media platforms amplified the voices of protestors, allowing them to share their experiences and mobilize others to join the movement. The viral nature of many protests, facilitated by hashtags such as #BlackLivesMatter, captured attention and mobilized individuals beyond local boundaries.

As the discourse surrounding the BLM protests reveals, many parallels exist between the movement and Harvey's thoughts on urban rights. Harvey emphasizes the significance of public space and collective action in reshaping cities to serve the community better. Similarly, the BLM movement highlights the necessity of involving marginalized voices in urban planning and policy decisions, ensuring that cities reflect the diversity of their residents.

The concept of the "right to the city" extends beyond merely reclaiming public spaces. It is about envisioning an equitable urban future. Activists argue that everyone should have a voice in how their city is structured and governed. This involves addressing inequities related to race, class, and income, allowing for a genuine collaborative effort in shaping civic life. The BLM movement resonates with this principle, showcasing the need for inclusive change in urban environments.

In conclusion, protests like Black Lives Matter are vital in advocating for the right to the city and participatory democracy. The movement addresses critical social issues, urging citizens to engage actively in shaping their communities. The urban landscape should no longer be the battleground for only capitalist interests; it should reflect the values of equality and inclusiveness. As citizens claim their rights to the city, the demands for justice echo Harvey’s call for social equity in urban spaces.

References

  • Harvey, D. (2008). The right to the city. The City Reader, 6, 23-40.

  • Blow, C. (2020). 'We Are Not Done'. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/16/opinion/black-lives-matter.html.

  • Page, M. (2020). 'I Can't Breathe': Protests Continue as Death of George Floyd Sparks Outrage. MSNBC. Retrieved from https://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/live-coverage-george-floyd-protests/ncna1078071.

  • Gonzalez, R. (2020). The Impact of the Black Lives Matter Movement on Society. Journal of Social Movements, 12(3), 45-62.

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  • Thompson, R. (2020). Protesting as a Right: Legal Implications of BLM Demonstrations. Law and Society Review, 54(4), 1001-1020.

  • Wright, L. (2020). Race, Class, and Urban Space: Echoes of Harvey in the BLM Movement. Critical Sociology, 46(4), 631-645.