The issue of labor: a conceptual analysis of a fundamental variable in social reproduction

Abstract

This article analyzes labor as a fundamental aspect to the social reproduction, in which process, the production and consumption of goods and services under capitalist relationships acquire special characteristics in the different countries. The understanding of labor as an inherent condition of the mankind suffered some changes during the history evolution. Today, with an international labor division, there are new shapes in the labor’s exploitation, specialization and diversity. Although this fact, it was showed that the new and the old are mixed in this scenery, as the exploitation and slave work and the one that increases the value of the worker. It was also analyzed that the labor world is crucial to keep and reproduce the society.

Key words: labor, social reproduction, labor division, labor and health, unemployment.