Käyttöarvoaan

Käyttöarvoaan is a Finnish word that translates to "its use value" or "its utility." It refers to the inherent usefulness or practical value of a good or service, as opposed to its exchange value, which is its worth in trade or as a commodity. The concept of use value is fundamental in economic theory, particularly in the work of Karl Marx, who distinguished it from exchange value to analyze the nature of commodities and labor.

In Marxist economics, use value is determined by the physical properties and the ability of a commodity to satisfy a human want or need. For example, the use value of a loaf of bread is its ability to nourish, while the use value of a pair of shoes is their ability to protect and cover the feet. This value is subjective and varies depending on individual needs and circumstances.

Contrastingly, exchange value represents the proportion in which one commodity can be exchanged for another. Marx argued that this exchange value is determined by the socially necessary labor time required to produce the commodity. While both use value and exchange value are essential characteristics of a commodity, the focus on exchange value in capitalist societies often obscures or devalues the inherent use value of goods and services. The term "käyttöarvoaan" highlights this aspect of practical application and beneficial function.