Key Arguments

• The total value-product increases with the length of the day
• Since the total 'pie' is larger, both the worker and the capitalist can receive a larger absolute amount
• However, the worker's share relative to the total value usually decreases

Source Quotes

Here, on the contrary, the change of relative magnitude in the value of labour-power is the result of the change of absolute magnitude in surplus-value. Since the value-product in which a day of labour is embodied increases with the length of that day, it is evident that the surplus-value and the price of labour-power may simultaneously increase, either by equal or unequal quantities. This simultaneous increase is therefore possible in two cases.

The whole working day then amounts to 12 hours and is embodied in a value of 6 shillings. If the working day is lengthened by 2 hours and the price of labour-power remains the same, the surplus-value increases both absolutely and relatively. Although there is no absolute change in the value of labour-power, it suffers a relative fall.

Key Concepts

• surplus-value and the price of labour-power may simultaneously increase
• value-product in which a day of labour is embodied increases with the length of that day
• surplus-value increases both absolutely and relatively

Context

Marx analyzing the deceptive nature of rising wages during periods of extended working hours