One theory argued by Karl Marx was commodity fetishism which states that people of the ruling class -
the ‘bourgeoisie’ marry each other for financial gain (The School of Life, 2014). He specifically argues
that marriage should be based upon romantic love instead of the shallow desires for money and
property. His view is logical and understandable as, even though during the medieval ages, kingdoms
merged together by marriage between the monarchs, and their resources, land, and militia added up
and became stronger, the 21st century is very different (The School of Life, 2014). In today’s modern
age, humanitarian issues, including the freedom to marry whom one chooses, are highly scrutinized and
looked down upon by social media.
As a result, the act of hard work and entrepreneurship to build up wealth is more highly respected and
admired compared to marrying for financial gain. In addition, looting your neighbor’s prized possessions
and invading their land are also contemned by the general public. Therefore, I agree with Marx on this
issue as even though I do not consider myself a bourgeoisie, I personally would not marry for financial
leverage as marriage is about love and building a family with someone you share values with. However,
everyone’s situation is different, and they might be pushed to take this action to support themselves
and their family financially.
Another thesis proposed by Karl Marx is that capitalism produces modern, specialized work, which leads
to alienation in which individuals feel a lack of purpose and meaning as a result of doing the same
monotonous task every day (The School of Life, 2014). I agree with Marx because humans have the need
for self-expression, and when this is suppressed, it can lead to a variety of mental illnesses (Stockton,
2019). Therefore, an 8-hour sewing job in a factory might not be as satisfying as doing one’s hobbies as a
job such as dancers and pop stars. Additionally, we see this phenomenon often depicted in movies in
which the main character gets bored of a regular and seemingly dull office job and ventures into more
exciting adventures.
However, personally, I do not know anyone who feels ‘alienated’ by their job. This can be attributed to
the high salary, and moreover, hobbies like painting and designing can be done during one’s free time,
especially in the evening and the weekends.
References
Stockton, E. (2019). The need for self-expression. Riverside Recovery. https://rrtampa.com/need-self-
expression/
The School of Life. (2014, December 19). POLITICAL THEORY - Karl Marx [Video]. YouTube.
the ‘bourgeoisie’ marry each other for financial gain (The School of Life, 2014). He specifically argues
that marriage should be based upon romantic love instead of the shallow desires for money and
property. His view is logical and understandable as, even though during the medieval ages, kingdoms
merged together by marriage between the monarchs, and their resources, land, and militia added up
and became stronger, the 21st century is very different (The School of Life, 2014). In today’s modern
age, humanitarian issues, including the freedom to marry whom one chooses, are highly scrutinized and
looked down upon by social media.
As a result, the act of hard work and entrepreneurship to build up wealth is more highly respected and
admired compared to marrying for financial gain. In addition, looting your neighbor’s prized possessions
and invading their land are also contemned by the general public. Therefore, I agree with Marx on this
issue as even though I do not consider myself a bourgeoisie, I personally would not marry for financial
leverage as marriage is about love and building a family with someone you share values with. However,
everyone’s situation is different, and they might be pushed to take this action to support themselves
and their family financially.
Another thesis proposed by Karl Marx is that capitalism produces modern, specialized work, which leads
to alienation in which individuals feel a lack of purpose and meaning as a result of doing the same
monotonous task every day (The School of Life, 2014). I agree with Marx because humans have the need
for self-expression, and when this is suppressed, it can lead to a variety of mental illnesses (Stockton,
2019). Therefore, an 8-hour sewing job in a factory might not be as satisfying as doing one’s hobbies as a
job such as dancers and pop stars. Additionally, we see this phenomenon often depicted in movies in
which the main character gets bored of a regular and seemingly dull office job and ventures into more
exciting adventures.
However, personally, I do not know anyone who feels ‘alienated’ by their job. This can be attributed to
the high salary, and moreover, hobbies like painting and designing can be done during one’s free time,
especially in the evening and the weekends.
References
Stockton, E. (2019). The need for self-expression. Riverside Recovery. https://rrtampa.com/need-self-
expression/
The School of Life. (2014, December 19). POLITICAL THEORY - Karl Marx [Video]. YouTube.
