Question

Marx introduces the concept of 'commodity fetishism' in Capital. Which one of the following is a correct description of the concept?

• A. The reflection of human spiritual capacities in the material product
• B. The reflection of human needs in the material product
• C. The reflection of the social character of human labour in the material product
• D. The reflection of the dignity of human labour in the material product

Hint:

Commodity fetishism = "Things appear to have value by themselves, but actually it is labour's social character reflected in them."

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In Marxist theory, "commodity fetishism" refers to the process where social relations among people, especially labour relations, are disguised as value relations among commodities.
- Commodities appear to have intrinsic value, but in reality, their value comes from the socially necessary human labour involved in producing them.
- Thus, instead of recognizing human labour as the true source of value, society begins to treat commodities as though they inherently possess value.
- Hence, the fetishism lies in the reflection of the social character of human labour in the material product.
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