The unequal exchange of time and space: Toward a non-normative ecological theory of exploitation

摘要: Introduction In this brief essay, I would like to address the topic of unequal exchange-one that recurs in Maurice Godelier's work and is a cornerstone Marxian social theory. Many scientists, looking at world around them, are intuitively convinced there such thing as 'unequal exchange', but admit having hard time defining it. The problem exchange' paradigmatically our difficulties conceptualizing it can be seen part conditions for its existence. Thus cannot understood other than through an analytically demanding combination epistemological ontological arguments require different steps analysis approaches both deconstruction objectivism. This seems only way open those us who want pursue (1998) understanding power based on consent; i.e., sharing same representations among powerful powerless alike, will often see exchanges reciprocal. paper, first try show how why mainstream economic ideology must ignore material substance global commodity flows order reproduce image market forces serving interests many radier few. then suggest some analytical tools deconstructing by identifying, beyond underneath price tags, asymmetric material, productive potential (gauged terms energy, labor hectare yields). Finally, briefly reflect implications line reasoning contemporary discussions ambitions anthropology. Exchange Value Things Few economists recognize notion acceptable objective category economics.3 implicit notions 'fairness' underlie hinge subjective experience participants exchange, rather any exchange. As long exchange conducted monetary values, prices rational or even benevolent logic forces, no way-other under monopolythat transaction classified 'unequal'. A million dollars' worth Swedish Volvos exchanged Venezuelan oil definition perfectly 'equal' value, which gauge neoclassical theory capable applying. It simply horizons ask, instance, what difference between these two volumes commodities might potential; their physical contribution accumulation infrastructure, capital. However profoundly we manage deconstruct phenomenon money semiotic delusion-aptly Marx species 'fetishism'-the ideological practical hegemony value remains more intact ever. foundations Ricardo's science were devised British bankers stock traders early 19th century (cf. Gudeman 1986), yet continue globally pervade lives thoughts dominator dominated alike. But ecological inequalities society accentuated, have every reason critically scrutinize assumption measures all significant processes growth accumulation. has from very start struggled with effectively challenge trust fairness logic. suggested did not do justice "real" value. He thus offered normative sense defined Value' actual valuations actors-as neoclassic 'utility'-but construct (the value) claimed things ought evaluated. …