Speaker
Description
This research offers a novel interpretation of Smith's theory on the division of labour by examining its intricate relationship with his conceptualisation of 'services'. Whilst scholarly attention has traditionally focused on Smith's treatment of the societal division of labour, this research illuminates the theoretical significance of his analysis of manufacturing division of labour as presented in The Wealth of Nations. The study distinguishes between two historical forms of labour division in workshops: division by trade and division by process. The former, characteristic of guild economies, represents a horizontal segregation aimed at market monopolisation, whilst the latter exemplifies the scientific disintegration of production processes for enhanced productivity—a hallmark of industrial capitalism.
Through careful analysis of Smith's writings, this research demonstrates how his distinction between productive and unproductive labour parallels these different forms of labour division. Services, associated with division by trade, are categorised under unproductive labour, whereas work under the process-oriented division contributes to national wealth accumulation. This previously unexplored connection provides fresh insights into Smith's theories of value and accumulation, whilst offering historical context for his observations on emerging capitalist production methods.
The research employs historical examples, such as the distinction between joiners and carpenters, to illustrate how division by trade served primarily to segment consumer markets rather than enhance production efficiency. This contrasts sharply with the process-oriented division of labour that Smith identified as crucial for productivity growth and wealth creation. The paper's findings contribute significantly to both Smithian scholarship and labour studies by illuminating how Smith's theoretical framework captured the transition from guild-based to industrial production systems. This interpretation not only enhances our understanding of Smith's economic thought but also provides historical grounding for contemporary analyses of capitalist labour control mechanisms.
| Organization | Hitotsubashi University/ Graduate School of Social Sciences |
|---|
