Labor
The individual or collective workforce that produces goods and services β including better technology that reduces the need for labor. (see also Work)
How We Say It
layΒ·bΙr
Where It Comes From
Latin labor β toil, exertion, hardship, suffering. The double meaning β work and the pain of work β is ancient. Entered English through Old French labour. The specifically obstetric sense β labor as childbirth β preserves the older meaning of painful exertion.
How It's Been Used
Central to political economy from Adam Smith through Marx β the labor theory of value held that human labor is the source of economic value. 'Labor' as a collective political actor β organized labor, the labor movement β distinguishes itself from 'work' which can be individual. The Labor Party in Britain and labor parties in other democracies institutionalize the worker as a political subject.