In "The Right to Be Lazy," Lafargue's analysis of the "Religion of Capital" is a critique of the capitalist system that underpins the broader socialist movement of his time. He argues that capitalism, with its "religion," demands the renunciation of workers' rights, their bodies, and their passions, turning them into machines for production. This analysis highlights the exploitation inherent in capitalism, where workers are forced to work excessively to enrich the capitalist class.
Lafargue's work relates to the socialist movement by emphasizing the need for workers to reject the capitalist ideology that oppresses them. He advocates for the "Rights of Laziness," which he believes are more noble than the "Rights of Man" that the bourgeoisie claims. This echoes the socialist movement's call for workers' rights, economic equality, and the end of exploitation. By exposing the false morality of capitalism, Lafargue strengthens the socialist movement's argument for a new, more equitable society. His analysis also underscores the importance of workers' self-awareness and collective action, which are crucial components of the socialist movement's strategy for change.