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ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2025
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR: THE CASE OF THE "LABOUR-PROCESS" IN MARX'S CAPITAL

Authors: Morchid, Mehdi;

CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CONCEPTUAL METAPHOR: THE CASE OF THE "LABOUR-PROCESS" IN MARX'S CAPITAL

Abstract

This article employs the framework of Conceptual Metaphor Theory (CMT), as developed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), to critically analyse the metaphorical conceptualisations underlying Karl Marx’s use of the phraseologism "labour-process" in Capital (1887). By identifying and examining the recurring metaphors embedded in Marx’s text, the study reveals how the labour-process is constructed not merely as a neutral mode of production, but as a malleable concept shaped by figurative thought. The analysis identifies multiple source domains through which Marx conceptualises the labour-process as: a journey, a puzzle, a site of production, a site of confrontation, an act of ingestion, a mechanism of dehumanisation, a mode of exploitation and a torture chamber. These metaphors are not stylistic embellishments. Rather, they constitute strategic conceptual tools through which Marx foregrounds the experiential reality constructed by capitalism. It follows that Marx's figurative language underpins his critique, framing labour under capitalism as a process of alienation, coercion and suffering. This metaphor-based reading contributes to broader discussions on the role of metaphor in political economy and critical theory.

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Keywords

Critical Discourse Analysis, Political Philosophy, Conceptual Metaphor Theory, Marxist Studies, Cognitive Linguistics

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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