Class conflict and exploitation Flashcards
Marx believed that society was based on two social classes. Name them and discuss ideology.
Ruling Class – Bourgeoise
Produced the dominant ideology
Working Class – Proletariat
receivers of this ideology
What do the Working Class within Marxism have to offer?
all they have to offer is their labour power in return for wages.
The working class do not own any means of production
What do the Ruling Class within Marxism have to offer?
own the means of production which puts them in a position of power.
How is conflict created within the Marxist Theory?
The ruling class exploit the working class by making profit out of their labour by keeping wages as low as possible instead of paying them the value of their labour. This creates a class conflict.
For Marx, what is the solution for the Working Class?
The working class want higher wages to improve their standard of living, but the ruling class want to keep wages as low as possible to maximise profit. This creates a conflict as both cannot be achieved. ‘Well why don’t the proletariat’s revolt
Abandon the system of capitalism which is based on inequality and exploitation of the working classes, and create a fairer society based on communist principles. However, in order to achieve this, all proletariats need to realise that they are being exploited, join together as a coherent force and then attempt to overturn the power. However, this is not as easy as it seems
What is required for proletariats revolt according to Marx.
All proletariats need to realise that they are being exploited, join together as a coherent force and then attempt to overturn the power.
Why do the Working Class rarely challenge their unequal, exploited position according to Marxist theory?
Marxists argue that the working class rarely challenge their unequal, exploited position is due to the dominant ideology that is passed down to them which promotes capitalism through the family, education, media, religion etc.
What did Althusser add to Marxist theory on why the Working Class rarely challenge their unequal, exploited position?
Date
Althusser (1971) argues that these institutions form an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) within the superstructure of society who are responsible for socialising the working class to accept that inequality is natural, and to legitimate class inequality – therefore it is just seen as a ‘normal’ part of society. So, the ruling class (which form the economic base) maintain their exploitation by brainwashing the working class by using the institutions that exist in the superstructure.
1971
Evaluate Marxism and living standards.
Marxism places too much emphasis on conflict and ignores the fact that capitalism actually has brought about an improvement in living standards for all social classes, including the working class.
Evaluate Marxism and culture.
Marxism is ‘economically deterministic’ and reduces everything about its theory down to capitalism and social class. They ignore that culture may reflect patriarchal interests, certain ethnic interests, certain religious interests etc.
Comment on Radical Feminism and Marxism
Radical Feminists argue that the main conflict in society is not between class, but between gender with men systematically exploiting women for their own benefit through patriarchy.
Marxist Feminists believe in the principles of the Marxist argument, but see the working class as women in society, being exploited at the hand of men (ruling class).
