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Labor and Monopoly Capital: The Degradation of Work in the Twentieth Century by Harry Braverman
worstarchitect's review
I finally understand Taylorism.
I was surprised by how brilliant and engaging this book was. To do what it does, which is to use Marx's method as outlined in Capital to chart the development of the conditions of work in society, requires such an intricate understanding of the concepts and trends involved that it sometimes appears as an impossible task, but Braverman seems to do it effortlessly in clean, engaging prose. I was often blown away by just how precise and fruitful his observations are, even now 50 years after the book's publication. The level of prophecy on display here for events that were just beginning to occur in Braverman's era parallels that of Marx, a few sections are so essential to how work is organized today that it really feels like a must-read, and he never ever strays away from the abstract principles of Marxian economic analysis. That said, as I was reading it, I thought about how awesome it would be to read a similarly structured book equally dedicated to applying the Marxist method to the changes in capitalism that have developed since the 70's, like an even larger emphasis on finance capital, the development of the post-managerial class, etc.
I think this would be an amazing read for anyone still a little too intimidated to jump into Capital but wanting a sense of Marx's economic theory. There are enough real-life examples to make it readable while also being very theoretically rigorous. And then you should read Capital.
I was surprised by how brilliant and engaging this book was. To do what it does, which is to use Marx's method as outlined in Capital to chart the development of the conditions of work in society, requires such an intricate understanding of the concepts and trends involved that it sometimes appears as an impossible task, but Braverman seems to do it effortlessly in clean, engaging prose. I was often blown away by just how precise and fruitful his observations are, even now 50 years after the book's publication. The level of prophecy on display here for events that were just beginning to occur in Braverman's era parallels that of Marx, a few sections are so essential to how work is organized today that it really feels like a must-read, and he never ever strays away from the abstract principles of Marxian economic analysis. That said, as I was reading it, I thought about how awesome it would be to read a similarly structured book equally dedicated to applying the Marxist method to the changes in capitalism that have developed since the 70's, like an even larger emphasis on finance capital, the development of the post-managerial class, etc.
I think this would be an amazing read for anyone still a little too intimidated to jump into Capital but wanting a sense of Marx's economic theory. There are enough real-life examples to make it readable while also being very theoretically rigorous. And then you should read Capital.
mothmans_mum's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best books I've ever read, written in an entertaining and easy-to-read style, covering a wide range of topics from the history and implications of scientific management, the increasing alienation of workers from their labour, mechanisation in both factories and offices, and far more. Braverman's book is a treasure trove of knowledge on the work process under capitalism. An absolute must-read for anyone who wants to understand and change the world.
milo10000's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.5
Braverman attempts and mostly succeeds at an impressive accounting of the state of the working class (and what would come to be called by some the professional-managerial class) throughout the development of monopoly capitalism, beginning roughly in the 1870s.
Informative, illuminating, and extremely dense. Would recommend not reading this until you've read at least the first volume of Capital. I have an appetite for this kind of stuff and even then I occasionally got tired while reading this.
Informative, illuminating, and extremely dense. Would recommend not reading this until you've read at least the first volume of Capital. I have an appetite for this kind of stuff and even then I occasionally got tired while reading this.
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