marxism

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

Marxism shows how society is a structure that shapes individuals ideas and behaviour (Item C). The main contribution of Marxism is that it explains how capitalist society is based on a conflict of interest. However, Marxism is not a unified theory and differences exist between how Marxists interpret the teachings of Karl Marx.

Question 2

para 1 conflict

Answer 2

Marxist conflict theory originated through the work of Karl Marx and is focused on the inequalities created by an unequal and exploitative capitalist system. In capitalist society the means of production is owned by the ruling class who exploit workers by paying them less than the value of what they are worth. This surplus value is the profit made by the capitalists. As capitalists control the economy they also have the power to control all other features of society such as law, education, media and government.

In this way Marx said that control of the economy determines all other aspects of  
society. This power gives capitalists control over the production of ideas so the working class are given a ‘false  consciousness’ as they are taught to believe that the existing social order is not just inevitable but also  desirable. In this way capitalism is made legitimate.

Question 3

a03 1 feminists

Answer 3

However, Marxists over-exaggerate the importance of economic relationships. By concentrating upon economic conflicts Marxists tend to overlook other forms of conflict.
Radical feminists, for example, argue that the roots of male - female conflict are not simply economic, to do with social class, but patriarchal. It is claimed that all aspects of Marxism has tended to ignore the role and position of women in society.

Question 4

para 2 polarisation

Answer 4

Nevertheless, Marxists claim that the increasing gap between the rich and poor in society today can be explained by Marxist ideas of class polarisation.

Through increasing capitalist competition, Marx predicted that the class structure would become polarised between a small class of very wealthy  
capitalists and a growing class of workers, who would be paid the lowest possible wages. Marx described these two classes as two “warring camps” which would eventually erupt into class revolution. However, capitalism, as an economic and political system, has proven to be more durable and flexible than Marx predicted. 

In modern society the advent of Communism does not appear imminent.

Question 5

weber a03

Answer 5

Weber claimed Marx’s two class model is simplistic. Weber said Marx did not appreciate there are divisions within the working class such as the skilled and unskilled workers and this, together with the rise of a large middle class, has reduced the extent of class polarisation and the prospect of class revolution.

Question 6

para 3 structural marxists

Answer 6

Structural Marxists such as Althusser, explain why this revolution has not taken place. He said the ideological state apparatus operates to persuade workers that capitalism is a legitimate system.

Repressive agents of control such as the courts and police coerce workers to conform and the free will of people is taken away by agents such the education and the media. Because of this control, Althusser said there is little that individuals can do to change society. Revolution will only occur when the capitalist system falls into crisis and collapses in on itself.

Question 7

conc

Answer 7

In conclusion, to some the banking crisis of 2008 seemed to signal the end of capitalism and proof of Marxist predictions that capitalism would eventually collapse in on itself.

Capitalism only survived when the banks were bailed out by the government. Moreover, although world revolution has not occurred, it can be argued that Marxism is useful as a framework for analysing power and inequality both within and between countries today.