Marx’s Theory of Working-Class Precariousness – And Its Relevance Today

摘要

Worker precariousness has become a major issue globally. Much of this, however, is divorced from the central role that this concept played in Marx’s critique of political economy. This article traces the notion of precarious labor back to its classical roots in historical materialism, including Marx’s general law of accumulation and his reserve army of labor conception. It then examines related work of such important Marxian political economists as Harry Braverman and Stephen Hymer. Utilizing these theoretical foundations and data from the International Labor Organization, empirical estimates are provided of the extent of the global reserve army today.