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.
Are Workers Uniquely Unfree Under Capitalism?
Are Workers Uniquely Unfree Under Capitalism?
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.