Which of the following are features of capitalism as a social system?

(A) Commodification of labour power.
(B) Caste based networks of trading.
(C) Surplus value.
(D) Rising inequalities.

Choose the correct answer from the options below.

(A), (C) and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (C) and (D) only

• (A) Commodification of labour power → In capitalism, labour is treated as a commodity, meaning workers sell their labour power in exchange for wages.

• (C) Surplus value → A key Marxist concept, surplus value is the difference between the value produced by labour and the wages paid to the worker, which is appropriated by the capitalist as profit.

• (D) Rising inequalities → Capitalism often leads to income and wealth disparities due to profit concentration in the hands of capital owners.

Why not (B)?: Caste-based networks of trading are not a feature of capitalism itself; they are specific to certain societies like India and can exist under various economic systems. Capitalism as a social system is defined more by market relations, private ownership, and profit motive, rather than caste-based trade practices.