Use value

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The term use value describes, among other things, in labor theory of value the social or individual usefulness of a good in contrast to its exchange value . The use value of a commodity can differ from individual to individual because the property of an object or good to serve the satisfaction of needs also differs. In neo-classical economics one no longer speaks of use value; in Marxist- inspired approaches that relate to labor theory of value, the term continues to play a role.

Standards

The utility value of a chair, for example, consists in the fact that one can sit on it, or the utility value of a table in the fact that things can be placed on it. An example that shows the dependence of the use value on the individual is the cigarette: The use value of a cigarette is different for a person who smokes and for one who does not smoke.

In principle, not only goods but also other things can also have a use value, e.g. B. Air. Work products that are made in a family, such as lunch, have a use value but no exchange value. Because they are not exchanged in markets, so they are not goods.

The use value of a commodity is closely linked to the specific physical properties of the object in question and depends heavily on people's individual needs. Since people always have needs, there are always use values ​​that are supposed to satisfy these needs. The use values ​​themselves can, however, be subject to historical change. In contrast to exchange value, use values ​​do not presuppose a market.

In a market economy, the use value for the buyer of a commodity results from its availability and usefulness . For the seller of a commodity A, the focus is on its exchange value, i.e., like many other commodities B, C or D that have a use value for the seller of commodity A, commodity A can be exchanged. Exactly the other way around for the sellers of goods B, C or D, who are interested in the exchange values ​​of their respective goods, but in the use value of goods A.

The exchange value of a commodity does not depend quantitatively on its use value; this is also known as the value paradox . This is to express that bread, for example, has a high use value but (often) a low (exchange) value, while one can argue about the use value of diamond necklaces, but their exchange value is usually very high. Software made available for free ( freeware ) has no exchange value, but can have a very high practical value.

Only goods that have a use value can also have an exchange value. Use value is a prerequisite for exchange value. In this sense, use values ​​are carriers of exchange values. If the exchange value of a commodity is too high for potential buyers for whatever reasons, then they cannot claim the use value for themselves.

The objective use value of products can be determined and presented in a comparative product test .

Legal issues

Advantages of use are mostly legally recorded as uses within the meaning of § 100 BGB . With regard to the right to surrender of regular uses, § § 987 ff. BGB (particularly relevant is § 993 paragraph 1 BGB) final regulations ( owner-owner relationship ). In the case of void sales, the question arises to what extent claims for enrichment can compete with claims from the owner-owner relationship, which is largely recognized by legal theory . The liability for use of minors in the event that their parents refuse their approval ( Section 109 of the German Civil Code) can result in an obligation to pay compensation under Section 818 (2) of the German Civil Code.

Delimitation from utility theory

The neoclassical theory does not speak of use value; the value is derived from utility theory and marginal utility. Benefit theory assumes that all goods have a benefit (which can differ from individual to individual) that is also measurable.

“Mixedness” of the goods

The fact that goods have both a use and an exchange value (value) is attributed by Karl Marx to the dual character of the work represented in the goods . Marx calls the commodity something “ambiguous, use value and exchange value”.

With reference to Aristotle, Marx names another entanglement that arises from the exchange relationship: his goods [those of the goods owner] have no direct use value for him. Otherwise he wouldn't take them to market. It has use value for others. For him it has only the direct use value, the carrier of exchange value and thus a medium of exchange.

Marx criticizes David Ricardo for leaving use-value as a simple premise. In contrast, the use-value must be taken into account in the economic analysis wherever it modifies the economic definition of form. (see Rosdolsky )

Quotes

“Use value is only realized in use or consumption. Use values ​​form the material content of wealth, whatever its social form. In the form of society to be considered by us, they also form the material carriers of exchange value. "(Karl Marx, MEW 23, p. 50)
“A thing can be use-value without being of value. This is the case when its benefits for people are not mediated through work . "(Karl Marx, MEW 23, p. 55)

literature

  • Roman Rosdolsky : The use value in Karl Marx. A criticism of the previous Marx interpretation . In: Kyklos . Helbing & Lichtenhahn, Basel 12 year 1959, 1, pp. 28–56.
  • Gisela Spiller: The use value as a material and form determination in the “ Outlines of the Critique of Political Economy ” by Karl Marx . In: Arbeitsblätter zur Marx-Engels -forschung, volume 9, published by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, 1979, pp. 67–79.
  • Siegfried Menzel: Karl Marx on the use value as a unit of material content and economic form determination . In: Scientific journal of the Technical University of Karl-Marx-Stadt . Vol. 25, 1983, No. 1, pp. 92-95.
  • Markus Bautsch: Usability and practical value , Chapter 35 in: Tilo Pfeifer, Robert Schmitt (editor) Masing Handbook Quality Management , Carl Hanser Fachbuchverlag Munich Vienna, 6th revised edition (2014), ISBN 978-3-446-43431-8
  • Werner Brinkmann , Peter Sieber: Usability, practical value and quality , in: Handbuch Qualitätmanagement / Masing , Chapter 35, edited by Tilo Pfeifer and Robert Schmitt, fifth, completely revised edition, Hanser-Verlag, Munich (2007), pages 777 to 786 , ISBN 978-3-446-40752-7

Web links

Wikiquote: Use Value  - Quotes

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Adam Smith: The Wealth of Nations. dtv klassik 5th edition 1990. ISBN 3-406-05393-9 . P. 27.
  2. ↑ a b use value. In: enzyklo.de . Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  3. ^ Definition of value - Gabler Wirtschaftslexikon . Retrieved July 24, 2010.
  4. ↑ Markus Bautsch: Usability and practical value , Chapter 35 in: Tilo Pfeifer, Robert Schmitt (editor) Masing Handbook Quality Management , Carl Hanser Fachbuchverlag Munich Vienna, 6th revised edition (2014), ISBN 978-3-446-43431-8
  5. ^ Dieter Medicus : Civil law. A presentation for exam preparation, arranged according to the requirements. Heymanns, Cologne 1968. 23rd, revised edition with Jens Petersen : Vahlen, Munich 2015, ISBN 978-3-8006-3908-3 , Rnr. 600-601.
  6. ↑ Das Kapital , Volume I, MEW 23, p. 56
  7. ↑ MEW 23, p. 100
  8. ↑ Marx: Grundrisse der Critique of Political Economy . P. 178f. Roman Rosdolsky: K. Marx and the problem of use value in political economy. In: On the genesis of 'capital'. Vol. I. European Publishing House: Frankfurt 4th edition, 1974. ISBN 3-434-45003-3 . P. 98ff.