The “Liberty” of Work and the Traps of Piece Work

Authors

  • Maria Augusta Tavares UFPB - João Pessoa - PB
  • Roberta Oliveira Trindade de Lima UFPB - João Pessoa - PB

Abstract

This article analyzes the relations of production in the sugarcane industry, identifying pay for piece work as a mechanism used by capital to intensify the productive capacity of workers and increase exploitation. The paper demonstrates that this form of pay, which is adjusted to flexible accumulation, far from guaranteeing the autonomy and liberty promised, reduces the time of socially necessary work, and therefore the value of the work force. The analysis uses Marxist economic categories to make clear that the labor protection laws do not resist the determinations of capital. The paper thus intends to reveal the inadequacy of policies in relation to the social question as a whole.

Author Biographies

Maria Augusta Tavares, UFPB - João Pessoa - PB

Doutorado em Serviço Social pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Professora do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Serviço Social da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB).

Roberta Oliveira Trindade de Lima, UFPB - João Pessoa - PB

Mestranda do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Serviço Social da Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB)
Orientadora: Maria Augusta Tavares.

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Published

2009-01-01

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2009): Dossiê: As configurações do trabalho na sociedade capitalista

Section

Articles

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