Introduction
Labor and Monopoly Capital by Braveman is a book that is written on the sociology of work division in the modern world. First six chapters of the book discuss the nature of labor and management. Braveman starts off with defining labor, which is not instinctual as it is adopted by men out of purpose and consciousness (Braverman 46). Labor is based on the use of mechanical and technical tools as well as physical and mental energy. In capitalist market, the definition changes and labor is used to reproduce the power that elite hold in three ways. Firstly, by providing ‘labor’ to common men as the former possess the means of production. This is the idea that Marx also supports while defining the division of labor. Secondly, social emancipation to laborers who come from extremely poor background such as slaves and serfs. This concept is explained by Simmen as capitalists use their power to deceive the laborers as ‘freed’ and ‘independent’ since they do not have to serve their ‘masters’. Thirdly, the workers are ‘used’ to grow the revenue and capital of the elite power holders.
Critique of Taylor’s work by Braveman
In the beginning, such work starts through contracts and agreements, which do not include the details of amount of labor but only the right to use the labor for a specific time period. Laborers for manual work are hired in large numbers collectively and their coffee and tea breaks are being cut due to scarcity of time and resources. Braveman continues to explain this as necessary division of labor in the new world economy. In fact, he defines division of labor as the base for the arising work structure. In the world before modern economy, the division of labor was only manual and mechanical due to the nature of work. Later on, with the construction of buildings, the nature of work hierarchy changed. Here, the purpose of the book becomes evident: Braveman is trying to explain the evolution of division of labor in the light of capitalist society. From here onwards, the author describes the phenomenon of work and labor as the management first focuses on quality of work, and when quality is attained, the focus shifts to quantity or time. For instance, Fredrick Taylor’s focuses on being time-savvy in organizations, was ridiculed by film-makers.
Here, Braveman appreciates Taylor’s concept by terming it as his genuine work on improving work quality in organizations. He discusses Taylor’s research in the light of principles of division of work. He explains that when management takes on to divide the tasks related to work, they snatch the association of workers with their work. Taylor also thinks that all the thinking related to work should be made management’s ‘pain’. These principles have already decided to divide the laborers from the management.
Braveman defines this as divorce to workers from their work. This makes workers no better than animals. Taylor’s third principle is based on the ability of management to divide the day’s work, and workers who only have to oblige. Here, the monopoly of capitalist economy has already been established. Taylor’s work model made laborers dependent upon the capitalist means of production, which cages them in the form of machines, while occasionally gives some benefits as a return for their ‘work’. Above all, their work is measured and evaluated and the worker with performance less than expected it has to suffer. In some labors, the tests before offering the job are meant to trade for the best suitable ‘machine’. Braveman’s effort is to highlight the negative side of the monopolistic capitalist society.
Critique of the Book
Braveman’s work is a genuine effort to criticize the negative side of the capitalist economy as he takes on to describe the capitalist economy as ‘masters’ who rule their workers. This definition of work and its division is a mere rephrasing of Marx’s concept of division of labor. In fact, it is only a commentary on his work without giving him the credit for the thoughts on division of labor. The capitalist society relies on individuals and individuals make society. To earn livelihood and develop economy and infrastructure, people have to participate by offering their skills to the management of the modern business organizations. In this regard, it is important to observe that Braveman does not take into account the skills that are required in most jobs nowadays. In the modern world, work is more about education and experience than physical work as most of the work has been automated as a result of modern technology.
WORKS CITED
Braverman, Harry. Labor And Monopoly Capital. New York: Monthly Review Press, 1998. Print. 45-98.
