Division of Labor and Machinery in Capitalist Production

The chapter explores the historical context of machinery adoption in capitalist production, detailing its effects on labor hierarchy, de-skilling, and re-skilling processes. It outlines the division of labor in society, manufacturing, and workshops, emphasizing the impact on societal development and the equilibrium tendencies in production. Additionally, it discusses Marx's critique of central planning, the negative effects of specialized labor on workers, and sets the stage for a deeper analysis of machines and large-scale industry in the next discussion.