wage labor

Wage labor refers to a situation where individuals sell their work to an employer in exchange for a specified payment, typically a salary or hourly wage. It’s a common way people earn a living, working for organizations or businesses rather than producing goods or services independently. In this arrangement, workers provide their skills and effort, while employers compensate them according to agreed terms. Wage labor is a foundational concept in modern economies, enabling the division of labor and productivity, but it also raises discussions about fair compensation, working conditions, and economic inequality.