Are Workers Uniquely Unfree Under Capitalism?

A common socialist objection to capitalism is that it severely curtails workers’ freedom. Although you might have some choice while you’re on the clock, your boss typically tells you what hours to work, what tasks to perform, what sort of clothes to wear, and so on. Thus, the argument goes, a concern for workers’ freedom provides a reason to oppose capitalism. The argument looks particularly worrisome for libertarians who defend capitalism on the grounds that it’s the only economic arrangement consistent with respect for people’s freedom. However, to the extent the economy is characterized by consumer sovereignty, it’s not clear that the socialist claim that workers are uniquely unfree lands.

Consider Barry. Barry owns and operates a bakery. If he wants to make money, his freedom to determine the hours he works, the tasks he performs, and the products he sells is severely limited. If Barry decides to sell anchovy muffins and open the bakery at 1PM, he’s unlikely to stay in business for long. His freedom to work as he pleases is not limited by a boss but rather by prospective customers.

Maybe Barry still has more freedom than a typical worker, although that’s partly an empirical question. Plus, it’s not clear whether that’s a difference in kind or a difference in degree. In both cases, the demands of others set significant constraints on someone’s freedom to work as they please (at least insofar as they want those others to provide them with income in exchange for their work).

Lastly, worker (un)freedom isn’t just an issue under capitalism. It arises under any system where your income depends on what others want. For instance, under socialism, the other members of your cooperative might set significant constraints on your freedom to work as you please. You might prefer to clock in later but get outvoted by your fellow worker-owners.