Understanding the “Service Economy”—A Marxist Critical Approach

This article attempts to clarify certain misunderstandings about productive/unproductive labour (PUPL) concerning the “service economy.” The concept of service is embedded in discussion PUPL. After examining Smith’s and Marx’s definitions “service” labour,” we demonstrate that criticisms connotation literature are based on a misinterpretation classical definition term not consistent with post-industrialist dogma Therefore, despite growing importance tertiary activities, have reject Marxists’ proposals urge us regard non-material industry as “labour productive value,” remain careful applying PUPL theory modern economy.