Or rather, what’s the Marxist stance on office jobs? Truth be told, I’m writing this while a bit inebriated on my day off lol. But I was still wondering about that question.
Obviously I realize that there are extreme levels to this, like working for the armed forces or a bank, which are clearly indefensible. But what about an office job for a market chain, for example? Or for a multinational seller of cheap goods? Is providing work for such companies considered unethical? Where does one look to find criticisms of one’s workplace? And how does one juggle the need for money for survival while only having “soft” skills?
I am open to constructive criticisms and I am genuinely asking. After all, I have started only recently learning Marxist theory and deprogramming myself while reflecting more deeply about society and myself.
Ironically (or shamefully), I just noticed that while I was busy reading basic texts about theory, I forgot to incorporate any sort of deeper analysis of the practical side of it all.
No need to expose yourselves, but what are some of the jobs that principled Marxists are drawn to? Where do you draw the line when looking for a new job?
(I would also be very thankful for any suggestions about books or articles as well! I am quite curious about finding the correct personal balance between need for work and ethical concerns)
Another thing to keep in mind regarding ethics is that even in a more socialist way of working you can have a lack of ethics as well.
The Basque country comes to mind. It’s a country in which the vast majority of companies are organised in a co-op way and their results are impressive to say the least. However, companies like Mondragon, their largest company, still operate in ethically grey or outright wrong ways despite being worker owned.
I think ultimately it boils down to the system they too are forced to operate in: a capitalist one that seeks profit before people, and that will eventually lead to tough decision being made. We as marxists strive to create a world in which profits become obsolete and we instead produce with the purpose of fulfilling the needs of the people.
(For simplicity’s sake, I’ll reply to both comments here)
What you said about the supply chain and not being aware of all the details of the business because in the end it’s not our business, made a lot of sense. I can look around all I want, but there’s a natural barrier put in place, I see.
Fair point! I need to look more into this. I’d imagine starting asking colleagues for their political affiliation might be too much too soon lol maybe a first start would be asking for possible issues to address within the company?
This is exactly what motivated this question! Obviously just saying shrugging off all criticisms with “no ethical consumption” is intellectually lazy, but also… The system still forces your hand at times. And finding that balance can be very hard without external input. Especially if the input is not from like minded people like you illustrated with your example with that Mondragon company