MARXISM Flashcards
Marxism is a structural conflict theory that has a fundamental rejection of capitalism. In capitalism, the bourgeoisie exploit the labour of the proletariat. They maintain their position through control of the repressive state apparatus and through hegemony. Marx believed that a dictatorship of the proletariat, leading to a classless society was inevitable. There are differences, however, between the types of Marxists. For example, Gramsci takes a more voluntaristic view that sees a greater role for human consciousness and action in bringing about change. Additionally, Althusser sees changes as the outcome of ‘structural determinism’.
CAPITALISM
(MARX)
CAPITALISM has 3 DISTINCTIVE FEATURES:
The PROLETARIAT are LEGALLY SEPARATED from the MEANS OF PRODUCTION, they have to SELL their LABOUR POWER to the BOURGEOISIE in RETURN FOR WAGES.
The MEANS OF PRODUCTION is in the hands of TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATIONS. COMPETITION FORCES CAPITALISTS to PAY the LOWEST WAGE possible, causing IMMISERATION of the PROLETARIAT.
CAPITALISM continually EXPANDS the FORCES of PRODUCTION in PURSUIT OF PROFIT.
HISTORICAL MATERIALISM and CLASS SOCIETY
(MARX)
HISTORICAL MATERIALISM:
Materialism is the nucleus to human survival - it provides individuals with food, clothing and shelter.
It is used to show change is driven by material factors such as food, shelter and money - each period of history, therefore, has its own unique set of characteristics.
Such characteristics in a modern society can be identified as a division of labour that occurs between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, who are the forces and relations of production make up society’s infrastructure.
Marx argues that every aspect of the infrastructure is dictated by the economic base (capitalism).
CLASS SOCIETY:
Marx identifies 3 successive class societies:
ANCIENT SOCIETY - exploitation of slaves tied to their owners
FEUDAL SOCIETY - exploitation of serfs legally tied to land
CAPITALIST SOCIETY - exploitation of free wage labourers
HEGEMONY
(GRAMSCI)
The ruling class maintain its dominance in two ways:
COERCION
The army, police, prisons and courts of the capitalist state force other classes to accept its rule.
CONSENT
The ruling class use ideas and values to persuade the subordinate classes that their rule is legitimate.
However, the ruling-class hegemony is never complete because:
The ruling class are a minority and have to make ideological compromises with other classes.
Gramsci rejects economic determinism as an explanation of change: even though economic factors (eg. mass unemployment) may create preconditions for revolution, ideas are central to whether or not it will actually occur.
Although ruling-class hegemony may be undermined by an economic crisis, this will only lead to a revolution of the proletariat construct a counter-hegemonic bloc to win the leadership of society.
ALTHUSSER
argued that it was not just the economic base and superstructure that makes up capitalist society but it exists on three levels:
ON A POLITICAL LEVEL
Through the government and organisations in charge of society.
ON AN IDEOLOGICAL LEVEL
Known as the ideological state apparatus, reinforced by the media, education and religion.
ON AN ECONOMIC LEVEL
Through the economy and production of goods.
