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Labour, Commodities and the Labour Market: A Heterodox Perspective

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  • Graham White

Abstract

The article sheds light on the proposition that labour is a commodity by considering from a fundamental theoretical perspective whether labour is subject to the same market forces which apply to commodities in general in capitalist economies. It suggests that no spontaneous competitive force exists within capitalism that would adjust labour demand to its supply, in contrast to the adaptation of supply to the demand for commodities in general. This result is argued without reference to assumptions about inflexibilities or impediments in labour or other markets, or institutional features peculiar to ‘the labour market’. Its explanation of why labour markets do not clear is at odds with a core tenet underlying orthodox economic theory of the last century, which has acted as a fundamental benchmark for most theorising about labour to the present day. Rejection of this tenet is at the heart of a heterodox explanation of unemployment, the real wage and income distribution in capitalist economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Graham White, 2010. "Labour, Commodities and the Labour Market: A Heterodox Perspective," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 21(1), pages 89-104, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:21:y:2010:i:1:p:89-104
    DOI: 10.1177/103530461002100108
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Richard Freeman, 2005. "Labour market institutions without blinders: The debate over flexibility and labour market performance," International Economic Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(2), pages 129-145.
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