The specific theories of Marx can be best understood as answers to his pointed questions regarding nature and development of capitalism. According to Marx, commodities refer to objects that satisfy human needs and wants. Additionally, commodities are considered the fundamental units of capitalism. The commodities always have an exchange value. Exchange value refers to the quantitative aspect and constitutes the substratum of the price of a given commodity. It is important to realize that exchange value is not intrinsic to a particular commodity. Moreover, exchange value allows one to determine what one commodity is worth in relation to another (Beasley-Murray, 2000). Organic solidarity refers to a social cohesion that is based upon the dependence that individuals have on each other, particularly in more advanced societies. Organic solidarity comes from the interdependence that arises from the specialization of work as well as the complementarities between people. This is actually a development that occurs specifically in modern and industrial societies. For instance, the farmers may produce the food to feed factory workers who in turn produce the machinery that enable farmers to produce the food. It is important to point out that the three elements are interrelated. Thus, there exist relationships between commodities, exchange values and organic solidarity as espoused by the Marxist theory, the critical theory and Bourdieu.
According to Marxist theory the wealth of societies in which capitalism prevails appears as a collection of commodities. Thus, the commodity represents the elementary form of wealth in such societies. The commodity is considered an external object that satisfies human needs through its qualities (Beasley-Murray, 2000). The nature of the human needs is considered irrelevant. According to Marx, each commodity has an exchange value. As such, the exchange value of a particular commodity is not identical to its price but it represents the quantity of other commodities it will exchange for if it is traded. In Marx’s sociological theories, economy features prominently. Thus, the organic solidarity resulting from the interdependencies arising from the division of labor facilitates the production of commodities in the society. Therefore, it is clear that there is a close relationship between commodities, exchange values and organic solidarity.
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The critical theory refers to the school of thought that stresses the reflective assessment and critique of society and culture through the application of knowledge from social sciences and the humanities. The critical theory has been concerned with the fate of modernity. According to critical theory, the commodity as well as the commodity production is a key feature of the capitalist society (Kellner, 1983). Additionally, the fundamental substance of every commodity is the exchange value. As such, exchange value dominates the relationships and activities within a capitalist society. Therefore, the organic solidarity in play in such a society influences the capitalist market. The interdependencies in the modern society define how commodities are produced and exchange. Thus, there is a relationship between the three elements based on the critical theory.
Bourdieu was a renowned French philosopher who articulated various significant theories including the social capital theory. According to Bourdieu, the quality of commodities is important as opposed to the possession of commodities. Therefore, exchange features as an important component of the capitalist market (Beasley-Murray, 2000). Moreover, the organic solidarity within the society influences the availability of commodities needed to satisfy human needs. As such, there are interdependencies arising from the division of labor. Bourdieu was concerned with the emergence of organic solidarity in modern societies particularly in his theory of social reproduction.
From the analysis of the relationship between commodities, exchange values and organic solidarity in light of the three theories, it is clear that there exists a close relationship between them. Commodities possess individual exchange values that facilitate trade. Additionally, organic solidarity in modern societies facilitates the production of commodities needed to meet the needs of the people in the market.
References
Beasley-Murray, J. (2000). Value and capital in Bourdieu and Marx. Pierre Bourdieu: fieldwork in culture , 100-119.
Kellner, D. (1983). Critical theory, commodities and the consumer society. Theory, Culture & Society , 1 (3), 66-83.
