Käyttöarvona

Käyttöarvona is a Finnish term that translates to "use value" in English. It is a concept primarily associated with economics and philosophy, particularly within Marxist theory. Use value refers to the utility or usefulness of a commodity or good to an individual or society. It describes the qualities of a thing that make it capable of satisfying human needs or desires.

Unlike exchange value, which is determined by the social labor required for a commodity's production and is expressed in terms of money or other goods, use value is qualitative and subjective. It is about the inherent properties of an object that make it desirable. For instance, a loaf of bread has a use value because it provides nourishment, a pair of shoes has a use value for protecting feet and allowing mobility, and a book has a use value for its informational or entertainment content.

In Marxist economics, the distinction between use value and exchange value is crucial. Marx argued that in a capitalist society, commodities are produced primarily for their exchange value, meaning their ability to be sold and generate profit. However, the ultimate reason for their production is their use value, as they must be able to satisfy some human need to be purchased. The drive for profit can sometimes lead to the production of goods with little genuine use value or the prioritization of exchange value over the fulfillment of essential needs. Understanding use value helps to analyze the fundamental purpose of production and the social relations embedded within it.