Kommodifikatsioon

Kommodifikatsioon refers to the process by which goods and services, which were not previously considered economic commodities, become bought and sold in a market. This can involve the transformation of natural resources, social relationships, or even cultural practices into items that have a price and can be traded. Historically, many activities and resources were managed through custom, reciprocity, or state provision rather than market exchange. The expansion of capitalism is often associated with increased kommodifikatsioon, as more aspects of life are brought under the logic of the market.

Examples of kommodifikatsioon include the privatization of public services like water or education, the commodification of labor through the wage system, and the marketing of experiences or cultural symbols. This process can lead to increased efficiency and innovation but also raises concerns about social equity, environmental impact, and the erosion of non-market values. Critics often argue that kommodifikatsioon can devalue certain aspects of human life and social interaction by reducing them to their monetary worth.