The Social Role of the Pharmacist in Capitalism

Abstract

The social role of the pharmacist is often discussed based on only a partial awareness of therole of the working class within capitalist society. Due to a lack of understanding that productionin capitalism seeks the production of commodities with exchange value, for profit andsubsequent reproduction and capital appreciation, the discussion of this topic is limited to theidealistic aspect of being a pharmacist. The objective of this study is to show that the role ofthe pharmacist within capitalism is the production of exchange value using his or her professionalinstruments, mainly medicines. Based on this understanding, we discussed the historicaltrend that could lead to the disappearance of this profession in Brazilian capitalist society,being replaced by professionals who are less expensive for capital, but fulfill the same functionof using health as a means for profit rather than as a social objective.