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

Authors

  • R. Jamil Jonna
  • John Bellamy Foster

Abstract

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.

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How to Cite

Jonna, R. J., & Bellamy Foster, J. (2016). Marx’s Theory of Working-Class Precariousness – And Its Relevance Today. Alternate Routes: A Journal of Critical Social Research, 27. Retrieved from https://alternateroutes.ca/index.php/ar/article/view/22391

Issue

Vol. 27 (2016): Precarious Work and the Struggle for Living Wages

Section

Articles

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Articles are published in Alternate Routes: A Journal of Critical Social Research under the Creative Commons "Attribution/Non-Commercial/No Derivative Works" Canada licence.

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