The sociology of neoclassical exploitation

The sociological basis of labor terms in Cobb-Douglas production functions is developed by means of a general labor output function which adds moral inducements to the conventional variables-wages and force. Discussion of the relationships implied by the general equation highlights the need for plainly stated assumptions regarding the declining marginal utility of factors and the possibilities for minimizing the use of force in employment. It is shown that a functional labor term cannot be fully explained by wages even if labor is paid its marginal product. Portions of the labor term must be accounted for by moral inducements which accrue to employers primarily in the form of socially and culturally generated free goods. Discussion of ideological implications of permanent nonzero coercion theoretical terms.