Progressive Social Theory and Government Growth: The Labor Theories of Value and Property

This article points out the underlying value of progressive economic thought is not the individual but rather all the people in the society and the need to have an active government intervention to bring about social change that benefits the whole of society rather than just the wealthy. This value is articulated as the "labor theory of value." It is built on the notion that capitalism in its pure form essentially permits and even facilitates the exploration of those who labor for their income.