M2: Marxist (aka ‘Conflict’) Theory Flashcards
What is Marxist Theory?
‘Power’ is based on one’s position (social class) and one’s control of capital (resources).
Focus is on class or economic-based dynamics.
Strong focus on social (in)justice and exploitation of some to the benefit of others
Assumptions of Marxist Theory
- Access to resources unequally distributed
- Society characterized by injustice and exploitation
- Conflict always present -> instability/change
- Coercion always present -> some people have more power than others
What is a commodity?
product/entity that can be bought and sold
▫ Common theme: focus on profit; health as a profit generator
What is the Marxist Perspective on Health and Illness
Focus is on the impact of working and living conditions in capitalist societies and how these contribute to illness
Role of health care professionals:
- “To discipline and control the working class; and provide individualized explanations of disease”
- Serve class interest By placing profit maximization > access to optimal health care
- By masking the real causes of illness -> supporting the capitalist system
Application of Marxism to Health:
Example of ‘Black Lung’
In the 1900s, black lung or ‘miner’s asthma’ was considered normal
Miners who complained -> ridiculed (‘compensationitis,’ ‘fear of the mines,’ or ‘malingering’)
Symptoms blamed on lifestyle (i.e. not working conditions)
Application of Marxism to Health
Workers (poor) had less access to health care and good working conditions.
- Company management’s primary goal = make money (which happened at the expense of the workers’ health).
- Workers had little power
- Workers mobilized -> Change brought about by class conflict
Critiques of Marxism
Although the theory explains inequality in terms of social class, it does not adequately account for other causes/forms of inequality, such as:
-Ethnicity/culture/race
- Gender
- Age
- Sexuality
- Ability, etc.
