The Theory Of Marx’s Division Of Labor And Its Contemporary Value

Division of labor is an important category in Marxist philosophy.Although Marx didn’t have a special work on the division of labor,his concern and thinking about the division of labor ran through his research.Marx’s theory of division of labor reveals the essence and law of the development of capitalist society.It is of great theoretical value and practical significance to reflect on the current social reality with Marx’s theory of division of labor.This paper mainly launches from three aspects: first,this paper examines the theoretical resources and development context of Marx’s division of labor thought.Marx’s theory of division of labor was founded on the basis of critically inheriting the division of labor thought of ancient Greek thinkers,classical economists and utopian socialists.The establishment of Marx’s theory of division of labor has gone through a process.Marx’s reflection on the division of labor began with the manuscript of economics and philosophy in 1844;In his works such as "German Ideology" and "poverty of philosophy",his thought of division of labor has been improved;In the economic manuscripts from 1857 to 1858,the economic manuscripts from 1861 to1863 and capital,his thought of division of labor has gradually matured.Secondly,this paper expounds the main content of Marx’s theory of division of labor.Division of labor originates from the satisfaction of practical needs.The initial division of labor is natural division of labor.With people’s practical activities,natural division of labor gradually develops into social division of labor.Division of labor is different in simple cooperation,workshop handicraft industry and machine industry.In the division of labor in the form of machine industry,people become the vassals of machines.Division of labor is a synonym for private ownership.In the form of capitalist private ownership,labor as the essence of private property becomes "alienated labor".Division of labor marks the level of productivity development,promotes productivity and restricts the development of production relations.Finally,this paper discusses the contemporary value of Marx’s theory of division of labor.In the contemporary era,Marx’s theory of division of labor provides theoretical support for understanding the changes of contemporary division of labor,points out the way forward for realizing people’s all-round development,and contributes ideological wisdom to China’s modernization.