An Examination of the Distribution of Surplus Value in Digital Labor Based on Marx’s Theory of Labor Justice
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Keywords

Digital labor
Distribution of surplus value
Marx’s theory of labor justice
Data ownership
Algorithmic exploitation
Distributive justice

DOI

10.26689/pbes.v9i6.15485

Submitted : 2026-06-16
Accepted : 2026-07-01
Published : 2026-07-16

Abstract

As an emerging mode of production, the distribution of surplus value created by digital labor is an important component of current capitalist production relations. This process highlights the profound inequality in the production process. Platform companies utilize their digital intermediary roles to enable digital capital to effectively control digital labor through big data, algorithm rules, and platform rules. Innovated the way of obtaining surplus value. Causing problems such as exploitation, objectification, and lack of protection for digital workers in their labor. This article revolves around Marx’s perspective on labor justice theory. Explored the unfair phenomena in the distribution of surplus value of digital labor. Proposed optimization strategies for resetting the justice of digital labor surplus value distribution from four dimensions: institutional, technological, organizational, and cultural. To achieve justice in the distribution of surplus value of digital labor, it is necessary to be guided by the Marxist concept of labor justice. Through institutional restructuring and technological ethical regulation, the relationship between surplus value distribution can be transformed. On this basis, build a benefit-sharing mechanism that is conducive to the win-win situation of workers, platforms, and society.

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