Final answer:
Conrad describes a traditional employment relationship where the employer controls work processes and conditions, reflecting a scenario where the worker is alienated from their labor and lacks ownership of the means of production.
Step-by-step explanation:
Conrad is describing a situation where Lily is considered an employee because her employer has the authority to control what work will be done and how it will be done. This control is a characteristic of a traditional employment relationship, highlighting a concept where workers are often alienated from the process of their labor due to not owning the means of production. In such scenarios, everything from the work process to the conditions is dictated by the employer or the bourgeoisie, leading to a structured and regimented labor environment where personal agency and creativity are limited.
For instance, in a fast food restaurant, employees must follow specific recipes and procedures without room for change. This degree of control mirrors factory work, where workers have set start and end times, with all actions and productivity levels monitored and enforced by managers. The balance of power typically leans heavily in favor of employers, although labor laws have been enacted to provide some level of protection and empowerment for workers.