Formal equality in exchange masks how the class relation is constituted

Evidence

Here, Adorno largely follows Marxian theory: ‘The illusion in the process of exchange lies in the concept of surplus-value’, a concept which is based on the appropriation of surplus-value by the purchasers of labour-power in compliance with the exchange of equivalents. He suggests that also at the point of indifference – between nature and society, as well as between classes – everything is in keeping with like for like. Both classes appear equal from the perspective of exchange, and nothing in their formal equality suggests that the class-relation first constitutes itself in the exchange of labour-power for wages. — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 1363

Categorization

• DEFINE: Clarifies Adorno’s reading of the Marxian point that the exchange of equivalents conceals the appropriation of surplus-value.
• XREF: connects to: Sohn-Rethel sought to derive Kantian categories from the exchange-relation — Dirk Braunstein, Adorno’s Critique of Political Economy, 326; Symbolic systems function as instruments of domination by reproducing class relations in transfigured form; Racial configurations both mask and mitigate class exploitation in unknowable ways — David Theo Goldberg, The Racial State, 127 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Symbolic systems function as instruments of domination by reproducing class relations in transfigured form #expands (0.85)
• Formal equal access from unequal starting positions perpetuates exclusion #exemplifies (0.85) — David Theo Goldberg, The Threat of Race, 115
• Nation and national interest mask class by uniting individual subjects #expands (0.78)
• Racial configurations both mask and mitigate class exploitation in unknowable ways #expands (0.75) — David Theo Goldberg, The Racial State, 127
• Identity-based division functions universally as a deflector for class revolt #expands (0.72) — Naomi Klein, Doppelganger, 944