In my last post (The Deficit-Supplement Correlation), I posited a way in which those steeped in capitalist ideology can better understand the nature of communism- and I do not believe to leave off there would be sufficient. The Deficit-Supplement Correlation is not the only way in which one can understand how communism relates to capitalism- rather, it is one of many ways. And another valuable tool in the understanding is through the understanding of values between communism and capitalism. That is, understanding the methodology through which value (or worth) is used in capitalism, and how it differs to its application in the communist system. In his famous, or perhaps infamous, work titled “Capital”, Marx defines the methodology from which value is derived under the capitalist system. However, to posit it here, we can present it simply; Capitalism is built on a system of commodities, a commodity itself being an object which has both a value and a worth (with Marx referring to the latter as a ‘use-value’), as well as provides a use of some form. In capitalism, the labourer (and the labour they provide) both are counted as commodities- alongside a long range of other items. The value of a labourer is defined by their capital AND their commodities, while their worth is defined by the labour they produce (rather than their ability to produce labour). Within this system, it is generally favourable to increase value and decrease worth (although in the case of labourers, is seldom possible). Similarly, communism employs a way to quantify the needs of the people (rather than the value of) in much a similar way; These quantifiable properties is the individuals needs and an individuals ability (presented in place of an individuals value and worth under capitalism).
An individuals needs are defined in terms of innate (these are the three supplements I identified in The Deficit-Supplement Correlation) and excess, which corresponds in relative scale to the production of luxuries and the availability of them in relation to their want for it. Of these two needs, the innate needs take precedent. Should all innate needs be met; An individuals value of needs is at 0. Should they not be met however, then an individuals value of needs enters into the negatives in direct correlation to the needs that are not yet met. Take for instance if an individual requires one hundred calories a day in sustenance; Should that one hundred calories be met, then the value of needs is 0. If however, only fifty calories is consumed (due to consequence, not conscious decision), then their value of needs can be represented (in a simplified manner) as -50. The need of excess, also able to be called luxury, is represented in correspondence to the abundance of said luxury service/item, alongside the individuals want for it. The sum of these ‘wants’ or ‘luxuries’ are then added to the individuals value of need; Representing the total fulfilment of the needs (which are the burden of society). Should the value of needs (of any one individual) reach into the negatives for prolonged periods of time, then it should be considered a failure of society (as it is in a capitalist society). It should be seen, however, that two ways present themselves to fulfil the value of needs; Through the production of innate needs (a sustenance society), or through the production of excess (an excess society). When framed in such a manner, it portrays the flexibility of the communist ideology; The flexibility which capitalism lacks.
In parallel to the value of needs, exists the value of ability. The value of ability refers to ones capacity for labour/production, or the potential they hold for such production. As being tied to this potential, it corresponds directly to an individuals health. This is important; As the goal of society is to maximize every individuals value of ability, as the higher the value of ability, the higher value of needs can be achieved. (As touched on in the Deficit-Supplement Correlation) Society itself, being the social-structures which govern it, is the main contributor to the value of ability. The society itself, as well, is the mechanism through which labour is enforced (reminiscent of a ‘social contract’). In a communist society, individuals are expected to produce and labour according to their value of ability; Meaning the most abled bodied are expected to do more work then those who are disabled. A consequence of this – or perhaps, direct benefit – is the incentive that is provides for the well-being of all. Due to the value of ability being directly tied to health, and the average value of ability (of society) is directly responsible for determining the value of needs (for the individual), it provides incentive irregardless of a person’s philosophy (may that be individualism or collectivism).
In short (and as a simplification) we can say the following; Capitalist ‘gross value’ is derived from an individuals excess minus the application of their ability, while communist ‘gross value’ is derived societies fulfilment of individual needs plus the ability for society to produce.