A Worker’s Value

Separating a worker from his or her labor can devoid the products of their significance. Sometimes an object is higher priced or has internal value because of who made it. That is why designer bags and clothes are expensive. Designers gain credibility and prominence in the fashion world and charge a premium for their label. This concept contradicts the separation of a worker from his labor as proposed in the Mooc. Two meaningful examples I saw on Shark Tank come to mind when I think of this. Sarah Oliver handbags are hand knitted by a group of senior citizens called the Purlettes +1. The Purlettes have expressed great joy and purpose in their job and the bags each have a story behind them. Similarly, R. Riveter bags are crafted by spouses of the military. Their role in making bags provides them with a stable job even though they are constantly moving around. In these instances, it is the worker connected to his labor that makes it unique. Separating the two entities would only devalue the products.