marxism Flashcards
who theorised Marxism
Marxism was theorised by karl marx
what are some features of marxism
Marxism is a structural conflict theory
inequality between proletariat and bourgeoisie
with the bourgeoise exploiting the proletariat.
social structures and institutions used to keep control
people are socialised by these institutions to prevent social change
people are given false conciseness
describe what Marxism is
Marxism claims that society is unequal and divided into two groups, the bourgeoisie and the proletariat with the proletariat being rules by the bourgeoisie. and the ruling class uses many things to keep the bourgeoisie in check
what do marxists say about the law and the legal system
the law is used to keep the proletariot in check and enforce social order. and the legal system is used to give some an advantage over others. made by the ruling class for the ruling class
what do Marxists think about religion
Marxism claims religion is meant to keep the proletariat in check. with structured activities. keep people motivated and hopeful
what do Marxists think of mass media
Marxists think mass media is used to advertise goods and make us buy them filling the pockets of the bourgousie it also socialises everyone into same set of ideals given by the bourgousie
what do Marxists say on family
women marry men to achieve economic security
place of conflict with unequal levels of power
capitalism built on domestic labour of women - men work women clean men get paid women dont
families are consumers of capitalistic products
what do Marxists think of education
Marxists think main role of education is to make us submissive effective obedient workers. to maintain capitalist society
school makes us used to authority and gives us a set way of thinking e.g. work for set amounts of time and does what told
what is the elaborated and restrictive code
basil bearnstine claimed that people are taught a different way of speaking based off their class which gave them an advangtage or disadvantage
what did bowles and glints do
found that most people in school subscribe to idea that if working hard and getting good job is a direct relationship - if you work hard you will get a good job, this is untrue and unemployment controls the workforce - people work long hours for little money in fear of unemployment
what is cultural capital
cultural capital is the idea that high culture is acquired through a privileged upbringing and education. lack of cultural capital may keep a wealthy person out of ruling class as they wont fit in.
possession of cultural capital gives you a large advantage and gives you access to the upper class - academics mix with upper class and often become upper class
habitus = way u act dress talk - everyone has it and it is how we determine class
Nothing special about Shakespeare except the cultural capital we place on him
what is the hidden curriculum
the hidden curriculum is the idea students are taught to be good workers based on class
subservience is taught - reward good behaviour and punish bad
motivate students with awards/wages
teaches students to accept heigherachy and following of leaders
pros of Marxism
explains the class inequality very well.
looks at society as a whole and has an explanation for most things
was very influential and has remained relevant
explains the role of many social institutions and of socialisation
weaknesses of marxism
only looks at one inequality and doesn’t look at ethnicity or gender
over simplified
too much emphasis on how society runs through money but needs to look at people more
overestimates comunism
over negative of capitalism
doesn’t account for social mobility and the fact there are multiple classes
society is much more complicated now than when Marxism was theorised
What is neo Marxism
Revised over reliance on economy in traditional Marxism
More of a give and take structure
Mass consent made by persuasive ideas - American dream
