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The Politics of Operations: Excavating Contemporary Capitalism

Henry James

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Published in Marjorie Kelly

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The dominant mode of production in a society shapes political processes and outcomes. This is because the way in which we produce goods and services affects the distribution of power and resources, and thus the ability of different groups to influence the political system. In contemporary capitalism, the operation of large-scale corporations is a key factor in shaping the political landscape.

The Politics of Operations: Excavating Contemporary Capitalism

by Marjorie Kelly

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
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In this article, I will examine the politics of operations in contemporary capitalism. I will argue that the way in which corporations make decisions about their operations has a profound impact on political processes and outcomes. I will draw on a range of case studies to illustrate how power relations and social inequalities are embedded in and reproduced through everyday operations.

The Case of Walmart

Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, with over 11,000 stores in 27 countries. The company has been criticized for its low wages, poor working conditions, and anti-union practices. However, Walmart has also been a major force in shaping the global economy.

Walmart's operations are based on a strategy of low prices and high volume. The company is able to keep prices low by sourcing its products from all over the world and by negotiating with suppliers to get the best possible deals. Walmart also keeps its costs low by using a just-in-time inventory system, which reduces the amount of inventory that the company has on hand.

Walmart's low prices have made it a popular destination for shoppers. However, the company's low wages and poor working conditions have also led to criticism from labor unions and social activists. Walmart has been accused of exploiting its workers and of undermining the wages and benefits of workers in other industries.

The case of Walmart illustrates how the operations of a corporation can have a profound impact on political processes and outcomes. Walmart's low prices have made it a popular destination for shoppers, but the company's low wages and poor working conditions have also led to criticism from labor unions and social activists. Walmart's operations have helped to shape the global economy, but they have also contributed to social inequality and the decline of labor unions.

The Case of Amazon

Amazon is an e-commerce giant that has revolutionized the way we shop. The company has been praised for its innovation and customer service, but it has also been criticized for its anti-competitive practices and its treatment of workers.

Amazon's operations are based on a strategy of convenience and speed. The company offers a wide variety of products at competitive prices, and it offers fast and free shipping on many items. Amazon also makes it easy for customers to shop by providing detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations.

Amazon's convenience and speed have made it a popular destination for shoppers. However, the company's anti-competitive practices and its treatment of workers have also led to criticism from labor unions and social activists. Amazon has been accused of using its market power to squeeze out competitors and of exploiting its workers.

The case of Amazon illustrates how the operations of a corporation can have a profound impact on political processes and outcomes. Amazon's convenience and speed have made it a popular destination for shoppers, but the company's anti-competitive practices and its treatment of workers have also led to criticism from labor unions and social activists. Amazon's operations have helped to shape the global economy, but they have also contributed to social inequality and the decline of labor unions.

The cases of Walmart and Amazon illustrate how the operations of corporations can have a profound impact on political processes and outcomes. The way in which corporations make decisions about their operations affects the distribution of power and resources, and thus the ability of different groups to influence the political system.

In contemporary capitalism, the dominant mode of production is based on large-scale corporations. These corporations have a great deal of power, and their operations have a significant impact on the political landscape. It is therefore important to understand the politics of operations in order to understand contemporary capitalism.

The Politics of Operations: Excavating Contemporary Capitalism

by Marjorie Kelly

4.1 out of 5