Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of the term commodities. It describes the modern history of commodities and then focuses on the Marxist interpretation of the history and form of commodities. The paper delves into how value and human labor define characteristics of commodities. It finally describes the opposition to the Marxist definitions and explanations of commodities.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Modern History of the Commodity
Marxist Interpretation of Commodities: History and Form
Value and Human Labor as Defining Characteristics of the Commodity
Commodity Value = Money?
Opposition to Marx
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Gold, or money, is therefore an expression of value in defining the nature of the commodity because it is a measure of that commodity's value. Commodity value needs always to be determined by some measure - whether that be gold or money. This measure implies that it is invariable, as it is a unit of weight and should require a fixed ratio of values; but this is not the case, as the value of gold can - and does - change. This has little effect on the nature of the commodity as different quantities of gold will always represent the same ratio of relative values, and can therefore be used as a measure of assessment for commodity value. In other words, gold (and money) can always be used as a standard stable price measure, regardless of alterations to its own implicit value (Marx "Contribution" 65)."

Tags:measure, value, surplus, money

Abstract
The paper argues that commodities are a useful component in an investment portfolio because commodity prices tend to move in the opposite direction of stock prices and can therefore be a good hedge against inflation. The paper discusses the difficulty in estimating the expected sales price of a real asset and looks at how supply shortages and surpluses can be influenced by a number of different factors. The paper addresses the supply and demand factors affecting precious metal prices, how commodity futures are different from both interest rate futures and currency futures, and how commodities can be susceptible to political factors. The paper concludes that even though gold, petroleum, and other commodities are risky, they can play an important part in hedging a portfolio. This paper contains graphs.

Outline:
Introduction
Determinants of Commodity Prices
Supply and Demand Factors Affecting Precious Metal Prices
Commodity Futures
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Estimating the expected sales price of a real asset can be very difficult. Long-term, prices tend to revolve around the cost of producing the asset. For instance, the price of copper fluctuates around the cost of mining copper, the price of lumber revolves around the cost of manufacturing lumber, and the price of wheat fluctuates around the cost of harvesting wheat, etc (Bernstein, 2002). However, short-term, the current supply and demand situation tends to be a dominating factor, and prices often rise far above or fall far below production costs in the cases of extreme supply surpluses or shortages."

Tags:inflation, supply, demand, assets, futures, contracts, prices

Abstract
In this article, the writer questions whether items owned by individuals are used to secretly express feelings without speaking. In the course of the essay, the writer draws upon points from various sources in an attempt to discuss the ways in which commodities are used to construct and express sexual identities. The writer concludes that there is no doubt that there is a correlation between the forming and expressing of sexual identity and the purchasing of commodities to heighten that expression or image. The writer maintains that commodities can be used to create an identity, variate an identity or perhaps to just further emphasize an identity.

From the Paper
"In all these cases, there is one association formed between the product and an element. Lynx attracts females. The cause is the application of the fragrance, the effect is that females are attracted. Therefore, it can be assumed that if a male wanted to express his sexual identity he could purchase Lynx with the idea that it will transform him into a guy that would be seen as a sex symbol to other females."
"As we live in a capitalist society, we tend to feel a lack of control over the occurrences in our life as we grow up. This is coupled with the fact that while growing up, the notion that money is power is brought upon us - with power representing happiness. Therefore, it is not surprising that people try to find a possible way to control the environment around them. It was found that consumption offers a form of control over oneself and how one is perceived socially."

Tags:sexuality, superficiality, money, power

Abstract
The paper explains that commodities are an oft-mentioned term in economic circles, identified by most people as a property, object or item used by producers to make money from consumers. The paper further explains that the typically modern interpretation of the commodity revolves around current financial markets. The paper notes that the term "commodities" is often used interchangeably with the term "commodities exchange", which is based on the principle of the futures markets.

From the Paper
"Commodities are an oft-mentioned term in economic circles, identified by most people as a property, object or item used by producers to make money from consumers. A typically modern interpretation of the commodity revolves around current financial markets, such as "a place where trading in commodities takes place.... similar to an Equity market, but instead of buying or selling shares one buys or sells commodities" (MCDEXINDIA). The term commodities is often used interchangeably with the term "commodities exchange", which is based on the principle of the futures markets."

Tags:marx, commodity, value

From the Paper
"Commodities Futures Market: Coffee
This research examines the commodities futures market in coffee. The functioning of the futures market in coffee, together with commodities contracts is explained. Hedging strategies for participants in the coffee futures market are discussed, and the significance of hedging techniques to bulk coffee traders is reviewed.


Functioning of the Futures Market in Coffee, and Commodities Contracts
The coffee trader relies on fundamental information about current crop and demand prospects (International Trade Forum, 1991, p. 20). Positions of big traders in the market are published publicly on a monthly basis. Trading in a commodity is suspended when the market becomes too volatile..."

Abstract
The purpose here is to unveil the meaning and significance of commodity fetishism, particularly in order to reveal what this concept can tell us about human relations under capitalism, freedom, ideology, equality, and democratic ideals. Without a clear incorporation of the importance of commodity fetishism, other analyses of these topics ring a bit hollow. A core understanding of commodity fetishism is the crucial first step in developing meaningful social and economic theories about capitalist societies.

From the Paper
Thank you for purchasing a customized research paper from Essay Experts LLC. We strive to deliver to our customers the most accurate and up-to-date research each and every time we prepare a custom work. Your Writer ID: #296 Order ID: #9830 Topic: Economics Disclaimer: This document was written by one of our independently contracted writers. The writer who researched and composed this document is under contract with Essay Experts LLC to produce 100% custom written work each and every time he or she writes for us. This document should be

Tags:commodity, fetishism, marx

Abstract
This paper discusses the global commodity chain vis-a-vis the product line of Toyota automobiles, which are globally designed and manufactured, necessitating an extended and integrated supply chain. The paper also relates that the actual consumption of the product occurs in a global fashion as does its marketing and distribution.

From the Paper
"This project discusses the global commodity chain vis-a-vis a specific product line. In this case, the product is Toyota automobiles which are globally designed and manufactured necessitating an extended and integrated supply chain. Additionally, the actual consumption of the product occurs in a global fashion as does its marketing and distribution.
"The commodity chain for any given product or service includes geographic as well as logical points of operations that are critical for that product..."

Tags:toyota, automobile, commodity

Abstract
This paper examines commodity fetishism, a central tenet in Marxist theory, as well as crucial cornerstone in globalization. The paper claims that despite this central importance to Marxist theory, commodity fetishism is too often overlooked or misinterpreted by social and economic theorists who employ (or criticize) Marxist theoretical approaches. As such, there has been a general lack of understanding regarding how commodity fetishism influences the development and manifestation of advanced, or late, capitalist societies. The paper aims to unveil the meaning and significance of commodity fetishism, particularly in order to reveal what this concept can tell us about human relations under capitalism, freedom, ideology, equality, and democratic ideals. In the end, the paper concludes that commodity fetishism only demands that all social relations be conducted through the marketplace and through the medium of commodity exchange, but has no interest in liberty or democracy beyond this point, a realization that should give pause to claims that capitalism is the harbinger of democracy.

From the Paper
"In this way, commodity fetishism is more than just an ideological category that is a part of capitalism--instead, it is inseparably linked to capitalism, being a component without which capitalism cannot function (Wenning par. 11). Commodity fetishism dictates that social relations will be defined in terms of the values placed on commodities, making the commodities a crucial part of all social relations in a capitalist society. Commodity fetishism occurs because under capitalism the medium of exchange of the whole of individuals' material lives is the commodity. One trades his or her labor--a kind of commodity--for currency--another kind--which is then exchanged for other commodities no longer produced by the individual or even the community. In these instances, it is only commodities that shift hands as they are exchanged according to the value that is placed in them by, what Marx deems, a fetishizing impulse. The value of commodities is, to a large degree, utterly arbitrary. A tiny diamond is worth far more than a loaf of bread, even though the latter is much more valuable and necessary in a practical sense in the day-to-day life of an individual. Capitalism fetishizes commodities and imbues them with values completely out of proportion to their function or usefulness to individuals or communities."

Tags:capitalism, consumerism, Marxism, Marx, democracy, liberty

Abstract
This paper consists of two two-page article summaries. The first is of Fred Fejes' "advertising and the Political Economy of Lesbian / Gay Identity." The second article that is considered is by Danae Clark. It is titled "Commodity Lesbianism." Both articles consider the effects of commodity and gay and lesbian identities and the effects on political issues.

Tags:feminism, article, summaries

Abstract
The paper looks at the global commodity chain vis-a-vis a specific product line. The paper focuses on Toyota automobiles which are globally designed and manufactured, necessitating an extended and integrated supply chain. The paper also discusses how the actual consumption of the product occurs in a global fashion as does its marketing and distribution. Finally, the paper examines future trends of the company.

Outline:
Abstract
The Commodity Chain
Product Design & Engineering
Product Production
Marketing & Advertising
Retailing & Distribution
Product Consumption
Conclusion & Future Trends

From the Paper
"The commodity chain for any given product or service includes geographic as well as logical points of operations that are critical for that product to be produced and then finally consumed. This commodity chain can be described as, "...the sequence of major business activities that add utility (usefulness) to the products or services provided by an organization to its customers" (Hwang, 1999, p.95). With that in mind any product or service can be subdivided into the components that add value to each process comprising its production and delivery. The reasons for examining a product in this respect are many, but put succinctly, being aware of one's commodity chain and its components, "...will yield the greatest competitive advantage..."(Value, 1996, para.2). Thus, this research project examines Toyota's automobile commodity chain. Toyota must more fully understand its commodity chain components in terms of how they contribute value to the overall product which is the automobile."

Tags:supply, chain, production, marketing, distribution