Exchange value crystallizes the value inherent in commodities. The source of that inherent value is the one special commodity workers own: their labour power, or–put another way–their capacity to work. Capitalists buy labour power with their capital. In exchange, they pay workers a wage. Workers’ wages buy the commodities such as food and housing needed to restore a worker’s strength to work. In this way, wages express the value of the goods that restore labour power.
