marxism Flashcards
who was marxism created by?
karl marx (1818 - 1883)
what type of theory is marxism?
conflict
what are the two social classes associated with capitalism?
- ruling class (bourgeoisie) –> own the means of production
- working class (proletariat) –> exploited for their wage labour
what idea is capitalism based around?
the idea of private ownership of property, which encourages the individual pursuit of profit. marxists argue that this system creates great inequalities in societies between classes.
why was marx critical of capitalism?
argued that the ruling class would become richer and more powerful which conditions for the working class would remain poor
what is false class consciousness?
an idea developed by marx in which he claimed institutions such as religion and the family provide the working class with relief from feelings of exploitation and alienation. this makes the working class accept their oppressed positions in society.
how did marx think that society would change radically into a socialist or communist society?
the proletariat would become aware of their exploited position, come together and overthrow the system through a revolution, which would then change society radically.
give five negative evaluation points for marxism.
- society has changed a lot since the theory was developed. attempts have been made to make society fairer through free education, healthcare, benefits and minimum pay. this means the theory is no longer relevant
- the working class revolution didnt happen in UK. where revolutions did happen, and communism took place, corruption is prevalent among the very elite. almost counterproductive as creates more inequalities
- social class isn’t the only thing that forms identity in today’s society, so theory is irrelevant
- theory suggests no social mobility within capitalism, however mobility is possible in todays society
- feminists claim that marxists ignore oppression of women
give a positive evaluation point for marxism.
- class is still very important in explaining inequality in society, for example, determining success in education and work
what are the three main ways marxists view culture?
- feudal societies
- capitalism
- socialism / communism
what is a feudal society?
based on a hierarchy of peasants, serfs, kings and nobility. little social mobility
what is socialism / communism?
a society where there is no private ownership of property. the state owns everything. equality between people.
why does marxism focus on high and popular culture?
both of these cultures are based on the two classes that make up society (bourgeoisie and proletariat). high culture is based on bourgeoisie. popular culture based on proletariat.
who was pierre bourdieu?
a french marxist
what did pierre bourdieu state?
developed marx’s arguments and stated that the middle class possessed cultural capital, which means that they had the appropriate norms and values which can lead to material rewards. highlights ruling class domination.
