The following is a few examples and explanations of Karl Marx's concepts, specifically on the impact on the working class, or the proletariat in Marx terms. His concepts were hugely influenced by socialism and communism, where equality over the capitalization of an individual is the key to his views.

First example; a newcomer to Canada. They have little experience in the Canadian workforce. They are intelligent and quick to learn though, and land a position in factory as a line worker. They make sure the tape is cut and the box is sealed at a factory. The product they are shipping out will sell and make money for the owners of the company. The cost induced on the company for this labourers' time is minimal compared to the profit they will gain.

This demonstrates Marx's concept of surplus value. In a capitalist society the profits (the surplus) is created by selling a product at use-value, but paying the worker less then the exchange-value of their labour. By doing this the company maximizes their profits. Marx believed that instead, because the worker is the driving force of a company and the economy, that they should be paid the use-value for their labour.

In an office tower of high-powered lawyers suite a decently paid administrative assistance works up a sweat with their calculator and pencil. The employee is laid off because the company that wants to further reduce spending to increase their profit margin. Financially, the employee is drained and emotionally they are desperate. As a new hire in their next job, they steal a cash bag, costing the new company $1000.00 in profit that is written off as a loss.

Hence the concept of criminality. Marx's idea of criminality concluded that when workers are paid their worth not only are they able to sustain themselves and their family, but do not feel inclined to commit a criminal act. In a capitalist society, which Marx believed the capitalists could be called on shouting "Victim!", the poor steal to provide their families the necessities of life, and are penalized for their actions.

Another issue is alienation. Karl Marx believed that a worker is alienated from what they produce, the bread they bake seems to be more important then them self. The employee and their co-workers are put against each other as they advance in the work force, and so he is alienated from his colleagues. He has to maintain a professional demeanour to appeal to those around him and again is alienated, this time from himself.

In the opinion of group 3, we can not decide certainly that there is, on some points, or is not, on other points, any influence on Canadian businesses today from Karl Marx. There may still be different classes, like management and operations staff, but there is the opportunity for everyone to over come those differences at any point. There are unions, weekends, and holidays. We don't get paid for weekends, and unions still fight for the dollar they believe they deserve. We have government supported healthcare, funding from the government for Toronto's transit system. We are also privatizing sections of our public transit system to companies that will supposedly gain profit and contribute to our province. Our government controlled hydro has already had it's bought with privatization, which is government regulated anyways. We have influences from many different thinkers, and as a nation, a province, as a city or an individual, we are still growing.

        By; Group 3
            Stefanie
            Natalie
            Saudia
            Mike